In a groundbreaking move, Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) has revealed plans to introduce Acute Virtual Wards at Limerick University Hospital and St Vincent’s Hospital early next year. This innovative project, known as ‘Hospital at Home,’ aims to alleviate overcrowding by providing medical care to patients in the comfort of their own homes.
Under the scheme, patients, including those with long-term illnesses, will receive treatment at home. A team of healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, will conduct in-person visits or virtual rounds via video calls. The initiative also involves providing patients with essential medical devices, such as blood pressure cuffs and thermometers, enabling continuous monitoring of their health status.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly anticipates that implementing this initiative could save up to 8,000 hospital beds annually in the two pilot hospitals. The project’s success could pave the way for expansion to additional healthcare facilities in the future, offering a transformative approach to healthcare delivery in Ireland.