Virtual wards

This resource is for the parents and carers of our children and young people. You have been given this resource as your child can receive their care at home instead of the hospital. It explains how the Haematology and Oncology ‘virtual ward’ works and what to expect. 

What is the virtual ward?

A virtual ward is not a physical ward in the hospital.

Children who meet our criteria instead take their temperature at home on a ‘virtual ward’. A doctor will review your suitability for the virtual ward. You do not have to go home if this does not feel comfortable. 

Who works on a virtual ward?

The same staff who care for your child at hospital will continue to care for your child while on the virtual ward. This includes the community paediatric oncology outreach nurse (POON) team. 

What do I need to do on the virtual ward? 

The virtual ward provides medical care in the comfort of your own home. You will receive a tablet and an infrared thermometer to use at home. The thermometer takes your child’s temperature reading from their forehead. We will show you this before you leave the ward. 

Each morning, you will need to complete a set of questions about your child. You will also need to take their temperature 2 times per day. You need to put the results into the tablet, and the team will review your child’s care at the hospital. 

How is my child looked after on a virtual ward? 

You will have at least 1 phone call per day with the hospital team. This is another way for us to make sure you and your child are okay, and comfortable with the process. You can also call us with any concerns using the contact details at the end of this resource. 

We will continue to provide care to meet your child’s personal needs. A member of staff will review your child’s temperature and their daily questionnaire. If your child’s condition changes, and they become more unwell, we will ask you to return to the hospital. Your child may need an admission to the ward. 

What happens when my child is discharged from the virtual ward? 

Once discharged, you will no longer complete the questionnaire or temperature readings. The ‘Hospital in a Box’ kit is then collected by courier and cleaned and reset for the next patient to use. 

You need to attend your next clinic appointment as usual. Please remember to tell the doctor at this clinic visit that you have been on the virtual ward.