As Virtual Ward Spotlight Week continues, two respected Lanarkshire clinicians are encouraging colleagues to start the conversation about how Virtual Wards could support suitable patients in their care.
Dr Alison Falconer, Consultant Geriatrician at University Hospital Wishaw, features in a new video produced for Spotlight Week, reflecting on the impact she has seen – particularly for older and frailer patients.
Consultant in Acute Medicine Dr Mhairi Sinclair, also based at University Hospital Wishaw has also shared her experience of working within the model.
Virtual Wards allow suitable patients to be safely monitored at home while remaining under clinical supervision, supported by digital monitoring and clear escalation processes. For many, that means receiving appropriate care without the disruption of a hospital stay.
For Dr Falconer, the patient benefit is clear. “Home is best and that’s where everybody wants to be,” she says.
She points to the growing evidence base supporting care at home wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so.
“There is good evidence now from lots of studies that being managed at home and out of hospital as quick as they can is the best thing for them.”
While hospitals remain safe environments, she notes that older patients can be more vulnerable to hospital-associated harms such as falls or deconditioning. Virtual Wards offer an alternative pathway where clinical oversight continues, but in surroundings that are familiar and often better for recovery.
Dr Sinclair describes the model as both innovative and professionally rewarding.
“Working in the virtual ward has been an immensely rewarding aspect of clinical care. It is exciting to be part of the team at the forefront of exploring innovative ways to provide alternatives to traditional inpatient care.”
She highlights the way technology and multidisciplinary working come together within the approach.
“The virtual ward embraces technology combined with multi-disciplinary care, enabling patients who would have previously been looked after in hospital the freedom to be cared for safely at home.”
Both clinicians emphasise that the service is there to support colleagues across the system.
Dr Falconer’s message is straightforward: start the conversation.
“The team is built of a lot of people and led by people who are good at solving problems.”
Dr Sinclair adds: “I would encourage clinical teams to consider the virtual ward as an alternative to inpatient care. A variety of pathways can be supported and the team are always happy to discuss referrals to see what they can offer your patients.”
For further information or to discuss a potential patient, the Virtual Ward team can be contacted on 07795 548516 or via LAN.FNCvirtualwards@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk.
