Cambridge University Hospitals' virtual ward, which allows people to be treated in the comfort of their own homes, has been shortlisted for a national award.

The initiative by Addenbrooke's Hospital is singled out in the 2024 Health Service Journal Digital Awards, and has so far enabled more than 1,300 patients to be treated at home.

The awards recognise innovative digital projects which transform care delivery, enhance efficiency and improve outcomes and patient experience.

Established in 2022, the virtual ward operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is run by a dedicated nursing and consultant team.

The ward has treated patients recovering from a variety of medical and surgical conditions, including respiratory, gastro and frailty conditions that can be safely managed remotely - freeing up more than 4,000 bed hours.

Patients on the virtual ward are monitored constantly by using smart phone apps, technology platforms and wearable medical devices, such as temperature readers and pulse oximeters.

A team of senior nurses check on patients up to four times a day by phone or video call, with care also available face-to-face from multi-disciplinary teams.

If patients need further care, such as blood tests, scans or intravenous therapy, they can come into hospital for regular appointments or be visited at homes.

The effort to establish the virtual ward was driven by programme lead, intensive care consultant Dr Iain Goodhart, lead nurse Gemma Czech and operations manager Andy Bailey.

Dr Goodhart said: "For patients, virtual wards mean they can leave hospital days or even weeks earlier, while still getting the expert care they need.

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"They can benefit from the comfort of their own surroundings, sleeping in their own bed, eating their own food, and being in the company of their family, friends and pets.

"This often speeds up their recovery and reduces the risk of hospital acquired infections, with patients able to steadily return to daily routines and avoid deconditioning.

"We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for this award, which stands as testimony to the hard work that everyone has put into setting up the ward and making it the success it is today."