WINNER

North West London Integrated Care Board

A sector-wide approach to technology-enabled Virtual Wards

In Northwest London, we have pioneered a sector-wide, technology-enabled Virtual Ward programme through a centralised, digital-first model. Launched during the pandemic, it now supports 550 virtual beds across multiple specialities. Using a single patient-facing app and integrated care records, the service provides safe monitoring, rapid escalation, and continuity of care. We have demonstrated reduced hospital admissions, shortened length of stay, and improved patient experience while addressing health inequalities through inclusive digital solutions. Recent analysis has shown the model is scalable and cost-effective. We believe our model showcases digital innovation and collaboration to deliver care that is fit for the future.

Read a detailed case study about this project at HSJ Solutions

Highly commended

South West Herts Health and Care Partnership: South West Herts Virtual Hospitals - General Medical Ward

Finalists

Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust: Transforming Community Virtual Frailty Care through Digital Innovation and Real-Time clinical Decision Support

Barts Health Trust: ATLAS Virtual Ward: Safe Home Management for Low-Risk Non-ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) Patients

University Hospitals of Derby and Burton: Respiratory Virtual Ward service

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough FT: Clozapine initiation Virtual Ward

Leeds Teaching Hospitals: Healthier at Home virtual ward

South Tees Hospitals FT: Transforming POSDU with a Virtual Ward: Accelerating Safe Patient Discharge

Topics

HSJ Digital Awards 2026: Winners revealed

Digital Awards 2026_Left Aligned

The HSJ Digital Awards 2026 took place last night at the ICC Birmingham, celebrating outstanding contributions to digital healthcare transformation across the NHS and wider sector.