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Helping Patients Stay Where They’re Happiest — At Home

Spotlight on the virtual frailty ward | University Hospitals Tees

When Thelma Barnes became unwell again with yet another infection, her daughter Deb couldn’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu.

“Mum had been in and out of hospital from about 2018 through to 2021,” Deb explains. “Every time she got an infection, it was straight back in. She was getting so fed up of it, and I could see it was wearing her down.”

After COVID, Thelma’s health became more fragile — but it was a visit from a practice nurse that changed everything.

“Katherine, the nurse, came to see us and said there’s a service called the virtual frailty ward. I’d never heard of it,” Deb recalls. “She explained how Mum could get care at home instead of going into hospital again. That’s how it all started.”

Care That Comes to You

The Frailty Virtual Ward is part of the Hospital at Home service — a way to deliver the kind of care patients would normally receive on a hospital ward, but safely and comfortably in their own home. It supports people living with frailty or long-term conditions, and aims to reduce avoidable admissions and the stress that often comes with them.

“It’s a massive relief. You know someone’s going to be there if we need them. It’s that peace of mind,” says Deb. “If Mum gets an infection now, she can have her antibiotics at home. She doesn’t have to go through all that again.”

A Team That Sees the Whole Person

Jess, a member of the virtual frailty ward team, sees first-hand how much the service can mean — not just to patients, but to their families too.
“For people living with dementia, taking them out of their familiar environment and into hospital can be really distressing,” she explains. “This way, they stay where they’re most comfortable, and we bring the care to them.”

Jess and her colleagues provide a wide range of support — from medication reviews and IV treatment, to helping patients with everyday needs.

“Some people haven’t had a proper GP review in years. They can be on loads of meds that aren’t helping — or even causing problems,” she says. “We also support with meals, washing, dressing… even things like noticing they need a chair raiser to help them get up safely. You spot so much more when you see someone in their own home.”

“It makes me really proud. I feel so lucky to be part of it. When a patient is discharged, doing well, and happy — that’s job satisfaction.”

Looking Ahead

The team hopes to expand the service further and continue building strong links in the community.
“We want to keep people safe, supported and at home for as long as possible,” says Jess. “We’re here for the patients — and for their families too. I’m really excited about where this is going.”
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How to Refer
If you’re working in the Trust and think a patient might benefit from the virtual frailty ward, you can refer through your local GP, discharge team, or community services.