Written Question·Department of Health and Social Care·UIN 90755
Virtual Wards
Tabled: 13 November 2025
Answered: 24 November 2025
Question
Sir Oliver Dowden
Conservative — Hertsmere
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the target number of virtual wards is in the NHS across England.
Answer
Karin SmythIn October 2025, there were 12,588 virtual ward beds across England, with 10,049 being occupied by patients.
Whilst there is currently no specific national target for the number of virtual ward beds, the NHS England 2025/26 operational planning guidance includes a priority to improve access to care services at home or in the community, including virtual wards.