Tullamore man praises experience in hospital's "virtual ward"

A Tullamore man has spoken positively about his experience as one of the first patients to use his local hospital's "acute virtual ward" service last December.

Paddy Mooney was admitted to the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore on December 4 last with a severe case of influenza.

After spending five days in the hospital, he was transferred on December 9 to the "virtual ward" which the HSE described as a model of care that allows patients to safely complete their recovery from the comfort of their own home.

Paddy remained under remote clinical care at his home until his discharge on December 14.

Speaking about the experience, the local resident said: "Your home becomes your hospital ward, but with all the comfort of being in your own place."

With influenza and a course of antibiotics to complete, he said being at home made all the difference and allowed him to follow his own routine.

"At 10am and 4pm every day, I sent in my readings and answered the questionnaire on the tablet. Apart from that, I could follow my own routine, my own breakfast, my own couch, my own bed. You’re just more relaxed in your own environment," Paddy said.

When he was first shown the equipment, which included a tablet and monitoring devices he was familiar with these but the nurses still went through the technology with him in detail.

"They showed me how it worked, made sure I could use it, and after that it was simple. No issues at all," said Paddy in a statement issued by the HSE.

One of the things that surprised Paddy most was how connected he felt to the clinical team.

"The direct mobile number was the biggest reassurance. I knew exactly who I was ringing if I needed it. They also explained clearly what to do outside operational hours, which gave me confidence."

Although the system allowed him to request a call back only if needed, Paddy said he found the team proactive and attentive.

"I usually said I didn't need a call, but if I wrote anything in the comments, even something small like a slight temperature, they'd ring me anyway. The data I sent in was read and acted on. I felt watched over even though I wasn't physically in the hospital."

He also appreciated how smoothly follow-up tests were organised.

"For blood tests, they arranged for me to go straight to the hospital's Acute Medical Assessment Unit (AMAU). I went there straight away, there was no queues, no waiting, I didn't have to go through the Emergency Department.

"It was all coordinated and I went home straight afterwards, back to the virtual ward while they looked at the results and rang me with the update."

Paddy recalled that recovery at home simply felt better. "Your energy just starts to come back quicker at home. In hospital you can’t sleep properly with machines going off, people needing help, the general noise. At home I had peace and quiet. I got full nights’ sleep and felt better for it the next day."

Being at home also eased pressure on his family, particularly during a time of restricted visiting in the hospital.

Paddy added that, when given the "virtual ward" option he didn't hesitate to accept it.

"The doctor explained it and said I’d be suitable. It made perfect sense in freeing up hospital beds for people who need them most, keeping patients where they recover best in their home."

Since his discharge last year, Paddy unfortunately required a return to hospital due to another infection. During his stay, he met another patient who was unsure about the "virtual ward".

"The patient was talking to her doctor about it, and when the doctor left, I was able to explain what it was because I had done it myself. I told her how beneficial it was, and she was reassured knowing someone who had experienced it. She was very keen to be admitted to it then," Paddy said.

He believes more people will embrace the service as awareness grows. "It's a new concept for people, but once they become more familiar with it, they will see how great it is. Nobody wants to stay in hospital longer than necessary, especially when there’s a safe alternative."

Carole Broadbank, Integrated Healthcare Area Manager, HSE Midlands, said virtual wards were "transforming" the way care is being delivered across the region.

"Acute virtual wards allow patients to recover in the comfort of their own home while still being closely monitored by expert clinical teams. Paddy’s experience highlights the core purpose of Sláintecare - safe, person‑centred care delivered as close to home as possible.”

Louise Burke, General Manager of Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, added that the new system had benefits for patients and the wider hospital system.

"This service not only improves the patient experience but also helps us use hospital capacity more effectively.

"Patients like Paddy can recuperate in their own familiar environment, which supports better rest and recovery, while freeing hospital beds for those who need inpatient care. We are delighted to see such positive patient outcomes," Ms Burke said.