When Raymond, from Salford, was diagnosed with heart failure, he had to spend an extended period of time in hospital on NHS Greater Manchester’s virtual ward until he could continue his treatment safely at home. He received twice daily home visits from the Salford Emergency Response Team and was in regular contact with the clinicians responsible for his care to discuss and review his care. This meant he was more comfortable at home and could recover faster.
As of January 2026, there were 883 virtual ward beds available across the city, equivalent to hundreds of hospital beds, providing care in people’s homes. Capacity has been carefully managed over the past year to ensure service safety and adequate staffing.
The virtual ward is part of Greater Manchester’s wider hospital-at-home approach, which uses technology to improve care for local residents. Patients with conditions such as heart or lung problems, infections or frailty can receive hospital-level care in their own homes, and clinicians can monitor them remotely and respond immediately to any changes.
Raymond, who is in his 60s, said: “The nursing staff were amazing, visiting me like clockwork and always knew exactly where I was and what I was doing. I received the same or even better care at home than I would on the ward.
“Being at home made my recovery much faster and made me feel better. I will definitely continue to choose home care.”
Virtual hospital wards are transforming care for patients like Raymond. Many recover faster and more comfortably at home, with hospital-level monitoring and support. This approach allows people to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions and allows immediate intervention if conditions change, ensuring patient safety and freeing up hospital beds for those who need it most. ”
Dr Bushra Alam, Emergency Medicine Consultant and Clinical Lead of NHS Greater Manchester Virtual Ward
Demand for NHS services continues to be strong, so if you have an urgent but non-life-threatening concern, we encourage you to use NHS 111 online or call 111.
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NHS Greater Manchester (NHS GM)
