June 25, 2025Since the inception of the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) in 2020, Northern Health’s virtual services have continued to expand across the full continuum of care. One of the newest innovations, the Virtual Observation Ward (VOW), launched on 6 May 2024, is helping patients receive hospital-level care in their own homes.
Recognising an opportunity to support more unwell patients remotely, VOW offers hospital-grade assessment, monitoring, and treatment — virtually. It provides a less disruptive alternative for people who would otherwise need to present to hospital, particularly the elderly, vulnerable, and those in rural or remote communities.
Staffed by doctors and nurses, the VOW team conducts daily virtual “ward rounds,” ensuring patients are closely monitored while remaining in the comfort of their own homes. Through telehealth, the team manages a broad range of conditions, including pneumonia, viral infections, back pain, and even palliative care needs.
“The Virtual Observation Ward is a really valuable service for our community,” says Cami, an Associate Nurse Unit Manager from VVED.
“It means patients can receive free inpatient medical care at home. This is especially important for elderly and vulnerable populations.”
In the past 12 months, clinicians have cared for 672 patients through this model — a figure that continues to grow.
“Working in VOW is incredibly rewarding,” said Dr Josh Donaghy.
“We see patients recover in their own homes, often surrounded by family, with minimal disruption to their lives.”
A Patient’s story
On Australia Day, one patient — a healthy 30-something — found himself unable to move due to excruciating back pain. Here’s how he describes his experience:
“Every time I moved, I was drenched in sweat and close to passing out. I didn’t want to go to ED, especially on a public holiday. A friend mentioned VVED, and I thought I had nothing to lose.
What I didn’t expect was how responsive it would be. Within hours, I’d spoken to a triage nurse, a physio, and a doctor — all of them compassionate and knowledgeable. I got the medication I needed and, importantly, was admitted to the Virtual Observation Ward.
Being in VOW meant I had a dedicated number to call if anything went wrong. A doctor called the next morning to check in and help prevent side effects from medication. A physio followed up with advice to keep me moving.
Not only was the immediate crisis resolved, but I felt genuinely supported over the next few days. All from home, using just my phone. It was far better than spending hours in ED.”
The VOW offers significant benefits beyond convenience. It reduces the risk of hospital-acquired complications, keeps patients connected with loved ones, and allows them to rest in familiar surroundings — all of which improve recovery and wellbeing.
Clinicians also benefit. Instead of defaulting to ED or inpatient admission, they can refer suitable patients to the VOW and provide the same quality of care — sometimes even better, thanks to the personalised attention and strong continuity of care.
As the healthcare system grapples with increasing demand and more complex patient needs, the Virtual Observation Ward is emerging as a sustainable, patient-centred solution. It enhances outcomes, improves satisfaction, reduces hospital pressures — and helps stretch limited healthcare budgets further.
The VOW is part of a broader transformation in healthcare — one that puts patients at the centre and uses smart, flexible technology to deliver care in new ways. While hospitals will always play a critical role, services like the Virtual Observation Ward are proving that the walls of healthcare can, and should, expand.
