Virtual Ward – Acute Respiratory Infection

Last updated: Tuesday 15 April 2025

General introduction

The Acute Respiratory Infection Virtual Ward (VW) provides support and monitoring for our patients in the comfort of their own home. The service offered on a virtual ward combines technology and face-to-face provision to allow hospital-level care without needing to spend time in a hospital bed.

The virtual ward is suitable for patients diagnosed with a chest infection, exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), COVID-19, pneumonia and lower respiratory tract infection, but who are stable.

As a patient on the virtual ward, you will receive support from the Trust’s Rapid Response Respiratory Team (RRRT) and your condition is monitored using telehealth equipment supplied by the Telehealth Team at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust. 

On being admitted to the virtual ward you will receive instruction in how to use monitoring equipment and how to upload your readings. Monitoring equipment may include a pulse oximeter to measure blood oxygen levels and heart rate (pulse), a blood pressure monitor and a thermometer for checking temperature and will all be sanitised before being loaned to you.

If readings go out of the normal expected range a member of the team will get in touch with you to provide advice and support and to discuss next steps, which may include a visit from RRRT.

Patients report many benefits from being on a virtual ward including being more comfortable and able to sleep in their own bed as well as being able to choose when to eat and drink and get up. 

 

 

How to access this service

A member of the team caring for you in hospital or the Respiratory Team will discuss admission to the Acute Respiratory Infection Virtual Ward if you have been diagnosed with an acute respiratory infection and your condition is stable. These conditions can include chest infection, exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), COVID-19, pneumonia or lower respiratory tract infection.

About the team

The Acute Respiratory Virtual Ward is a partnership between:

Rapid Response Respiratory Team (RRRT) - a team of respiratory nurses and respiratory physiotherapists who work with hospital teams and hospital medical consultants to support patients across Runcorn, Widnes and Warrington. This part of the service is provided by Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Telehealth Service - provides monitoring devices to enable remote monitoring of a patient’s vital signs in the comfort of their own home. This part of the service is provided by Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Useful information

What should I do if I feel unwell?

Contact you’re the virtual ward / Rapid Response Respiratory Team or call 111 as soon as possible if:

  • you’re feeling gradually more unwell or more breathless
  • you have difficulty breathing when you stand up or move around
  • you feel very weak, achy or tired, or you’re shaking or shivering
  • you’ve lost your appetite or sense something is wrong
  • you’re unable to care for yourself such as finding tasks like washing and dressing or making food too difficult.

Go to the Emergency Department (A&E) or call 999 if:

  • you are so breathless that you cannot say short sentences when resting
  • your breathing has suddenly got worse
  • you cough up blood
  • you feel cold and sweaty with pale or blotchy skin
  • you develop a rash which looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin and does not fade when you roll a glass over it
  • you collapse or faint or you feel agitated, confused or very frowsy
  • you’ve stopped passing urine (weeing) or are passing much less than normal

Contact Us

Telephone

Rapid Response Respiratory Team (RRRT) 

01928 753165 or 07740041040 – available 8:30am to 7.30pm seven days a week

Mersey Care Telehealth

0151 285 4651 – available 8am to 8pm, seven days a week

If patients on the virtual ward feel unwell outside of these hours, please contact NHS 111 or dial 999 in an emergency.