When 71-year-old Hazel from Cambridge underwent chest wall reconstruction surgery in July, she expected a long hospital stay. But just two weeks later, she was back in her own home - not discharged and left to recover alone but safely supported by a team of clinicians through our new virtual ward.
Virtual wards allow patients to receive hospital-level care from the comfort of their own homes. Each patient has a personalised care plan designed to meet their specific needs, which may include remote monitoring using mobile apps or wearable devices.
The virtual ward team stays in regular touch to check on patients’ progress and discuss any monitoring results, providing ongoing, high-quality care in a familiar environment.
For Hazel, it was nothing short of life changing.
“I felt really secure and relieved,” she said. “There was someone keeping an eye on me, but I was in my own home with my husband, my dog, my own bed and my own kettle!”
Hazel with her beloved dog
Hospital-level care without the hospital walls
A joint initiative between Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH), our virtual ward delivers expert, hospital-level care right into patients’ homes – ensuring they remain supported, monitored, and safe while surrounded by the things (and people) they love.
From her living room, Hazel’s vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels were closely monitored. And when she experienced a dizzy spell, thought to be linked to her medication, the virtual ward team responded immediately.
“They even did sit-to-stand blood pressure checks right in my lounge – the kind of thing you’d normally have to go back into hospital for,” Hazel explained.
A smoother recovery and peace of mind
The virtual ward team operates 24/7, offering round-the-clock reassurance. Every morning, Hazel received a check-in call tailored to her personalised care plan.
“It reminded me of when you first bring a baby home,” she said. “In hospital, you feel safe. At home, suddenly you’re thinking, ‘What if something goes wrong?’ The virtual ward gave me that safety net.”
Hazel’s story isn’t unique. 70-year-old Marion from Letchworth also spent 10 days on the virtual ward after undergoing surgery to remove part of her lung in July.
“I’d have been happy staying in hospital longer because Royal Papworth was immaculate,” Marion admitted. “But there’s nothing better than your own bed. It was super to be at home and still feel cared for.”
When Marion’s blood pressure rose unexpectedly, the virtual ward team responded immediately, checking in several times a day.
“It definitely helped my recovery being on the virtual ward and I’d recommend it to anyone, especially if you have someone at home to look after you. It was absolutely fantastic plus it freed up a bed for someone who really needed it.”
Since it launched in November 2024, up until the end of August 2025, 78 patients have been admitted to our virtual ward while recovering from cardiac or thoracic surgery. This has saved a total of 928 hospital bed days. To be eligible, patients must live within a certain radius of Cambridge.
The initiative supports two core priorities of the Government’s 10-year health plan: moving care closer to home and embracing digital solutions. However, for patients, it comes down to something more personal – the comfort and reassurance of recovering at home.
“My stay at Royal Papworth was excellent,” Hazel said. “But truly – there’s nothing like your own bed.”
“I’d never even heard of a virtual ward before, but it’s a brilliant idea. My husband didn’t have to travel, my daughter could just pop in, and it made everything feel normal, even while I was still recovering.”
If you're coming in for surgery with us and would like to find out more about our virtual ward and the eligibility criteria, please speak to the team on the ward.