ICT&health June 19, 2025
A virtual ward, where hospital-level care is provided at home, could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of healthcare, according to a new UK study. The research, conducted at a large acute hospital trust, reveals that a virtual ward bed emits four times less carbon than a traditional inpatient bed, supporting the NHS’s goal to become net zero by 2045.
Virtual wards, also known as hospital-at-home programs, use remote monitoring and digital tools to deliver care to patients in their own homes. These services have expanded rapidly across the UK, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, to relieve pressure on hospital beds and improve patient flow.
While previous studies have focused on the clinical and financial benefits of virtual wards, this research...







