The ‘virtual ward’

Vulnerable patients are being cared for via “virtual wards” to keep them out of hospital and well at home. Doctors, nurses, other healthcare professionals and social care staff meet each week to discuss how to manage the most complex patients in the area, including their medical needs as well as any care, lifestyle or family problems. In west Dorset, the “virtual ward” deals with patients aged over 75 and often leads to home visits.