Virtual wards allow patients to get the care they need at home safely and conveniently, rather than being in hospital.

Virtual wards are in place in many parts of the country, for example, supporting people with frailty or acute respiratory infections. The NHS is introducing more virtual wards to support people at the place they call home, including care homes.

In a virtual ward, support can include remote monitoring using apps, technology platforms, wearables and medical devices such as pulse oximeters. Support may also involve face-to-face care from multi-disciplinary teams based in the community, which is sometimes called Hospital at Home.

Watch Martin’s story to find out how a virtual ward in Greater Manchester is helping patients: