Scotland's introduction of virtual hospital beds signifies the onset of a technological revolution in healthcare.
Scotland's Hospital at Home service, a pioneering initiative in virtual hospital care, is set to grow significantly with a planned expansion to 2,000 virtual beds by the end of 2026 [1][2]. This expansion, backed by an £85 million investment, aims to support frail, older people receiving care for acute illnesses at home, reducing hospital admissions and enhancing patient comfort.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), a leading regional health board in Scotland, is actively involved in implementing Hospital at Home services as part of the national rollout. The health board, one of Scotland's largest, is a key provider of virtual ward services, aligning with the national strategy to decentralize hospital care and manage frailty at home [1].
Innovative companies like Doccla and InnoScot Health are playing pivotal roles in this development. Doccla, known for its digital platforms enabling remote patient monitoring and virtual ward management, will integrate its technology with NHSGGC's flow navigation center [3]. This partnership will allow continuous monitoring and communication between patients and healthcare professionals, enhancing the scale and operational effectiveness of virtual wards.
InnoScot Health, a partner of NHS Scotland for 23 years, fosters health technology solutions and facilitates collaboration between the NHS and tech innovators like Doccla [5]. This collaboration supports breakthroughs and business growth related to public sector digital health, including Hospital at Home services.
The expansion aims not only to increase capacity but also to maintain high-quality, personalized care that avoids unnecessary hospital stays. In 2024 alone, this approach has already saved over £50 million and prevented more than 15,000 hospital admissions [1][2]. Patient feedback highlights the benefits of home-based care, but carers emphasize the need for better involvement and support during virtual ward admissions [4].
The Scottish Government and NHS partners are combining investment, innovation from companies like Doccla, and support from innovation bodies such as InnoScot Health to create the largest virtual hospital ward network in the country. This project will create a new benchmark for virtual hospital care, aligned with Scotland's Digital Health and Care Strategy [1][5].
Moreover, the effective capacity of every single hospital in Scotland will be expanded without the need for any new bricks and mortar. This tech-led revolution in how healthcare is delivered will represent a significant shift in the focus of care away from acute settings and into the community [2]. The partnership between NHSGGC and Doccla is expected to deliver the right care in the right place for patients, helping to transform and develop the NHS in Scotland.
References:
[1] Scottish Government. (2025). Investment in Hospital at Home initiative for older people in 2024-25. Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/publications/investment-in-hospital-at-home-initiative-for-older-people-in-2024-25/
[2] The Herald. (2025). Hospital at Home: 2,000 virtual beds pledged by Scottish Government. Retrieved from https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/19909102.hospital-at-home-2000-virtual-beds-pledged-scottish-government/
[3] NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. (2025). Doccla to integrate technology with flow navigation centre. Retrieved from https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/news/2025/doccla-to-integrate-technology-with-flow-navigation-centre/
[4] The Scotsman. (2025). Patients and carers call for better support during virtual ward admissions. Retrieved from https://www.scotsman.com/news/health/patients-and-carers-call-for-better-support-during-virtual-ward-admissions-3832404
[5] InnoScot Health. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://innoscouthealth.com/about-us/
- The Scottish Government, in collaboration with NHS partners and innovative companies like Doccla and InnoScot Health, is working to establish a leading virtual hospital ward network, leveraging digital health technology to enhance patient care and wellness, aligning with Scotland's Digital Health and Care Strategy.
- The NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's partnership with Doccla allows for continuous remote patient monitoring and virtual ward management, providing personalized care at home and contributing to the growth of Scotland's Hospital at Home service, a significant shift in the focus of care from acute settings to the community.
