FLU FIGHT

Hundreds in Paisley area set to receive hospital-grade care at home via 1,000 virtual beds

- EDEL KENEALY

The virtual beds will reduce pressure on the RAH

Hundreds of Buddies could receive hospital grade care in their own homes this winter, medics have revealed as they prepare to fight rapidly spreading flu.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) says it is seeking to create 1,000 virtual hospital beds in the coming months as its confirmed flu cases are soaring across Scotland.

The health board says the approach will support people fighting the new stronger strain of the virus and reduce pressure on the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH).

Virtual hospital uses technology to provide continuous remote patient monitoring and clinician interventions where necessary.

It includes supplying patients with wearable devices that record measurements like blood pressure, allowing health professionals to observe them remotely.

The technology also asks patients to fill in health questionnaires, and a call would be made to them if it identifies an issue, or a community team would be deployed.