How to set up a virtual frailty ward and ensure continuity of care

Established in response to COVID-19, a virtual frailty ward service means discharged patients can be cared for at home

Why set up a virtual frailty ward?

Our vision was to provide continuity of care by following up discharged older people living with frailty who are at home, and ensuring they receive adequate support to avoid readmission.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, new robust discharge criteria were introduced to facilitate discharge of medically fit patients at the earliest opportunity and to optimise hospital capacity. In response our virtual frailty ward (VFW) was established.

What the VFW provides

The VFW provides nurse-led telephone follow-up for patients discharged primarily from the emergency department (ED) of