When Raymond from Salford was diagnosed with heart failure, he faced an extended hospital stay until NHS Greater Manchester’s virtual ward allowed him to continue his care safely at home. He received twice-daily home visits from the Salford Urgent Response team and had regular contact with clinicians looking after him to discuss and review his care. This meant he could recover more comfortably and quickly being at home.
In January 2026, there were 883 virtual ward beds available across the city region, the equivalent of hundreds of hospital beds, with care being delivered in people’s homes. Capacity has been carefully managed over the past year to ensure services remain safe and properly staffed.
Virtual wards are part of Greater Manchester’s wider Hospital at Home approach, using technology to improve care for local people. Patients with conditions such as heart and lung problems, infections and frailty can receive hospital-level care at home, while clinicians monitor them remotely and respond quickly if anything changes.
Raymond, who’s in his 60s said: “The nursing staff were fantastic, they visited as regular as clockwork and always knew exactly where I was up to. I received the same level of attention, if not more, at home than I would have received on the ward.
“Being at home made my recovery much quicker and I am feeling well in myself. I would definitely choose care at home again in the future.”
Virtual wards are transforming care for patients like Raymond. Many recover faster and more comfortably at home, while still receiving hospital-level monitoring and support. This approach helps people avoid unnecessary admissions and allows us to step in quickly if their condition changes, keeping patients safe and freeing up hospital beds for those who need them most.”
Dr Bushra Alam, acute medicine consultant and clinical lead for NHS Greater Manchester virtual wards
As NHS services continue to see strong demand, residents are advised to use NHS 111 online or call 111, for urgent but not life-threatening concerns.
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