The 2022/23 priorities and operational planning guidance asked systems to develop detailed plans to maximise the rollout of virtual wards to deliver care for patients who would otherwise have to be treated in hospital, by enabling earlier supported discharge and providing alternatives to admission.

This supporting guidance helps systems to achieve these ambitions, supporting implementation and covers definitions, principles, funding and staffing.

Blueprint guidance notes are also available for two virtual ward pathways: acute respiratory infection virtual wards and frailty virtual wards otherwise known as Hospital at Home.

Find out more about virtual wards.