Version: 1.0.3 | Published: 10 Feb 2026 | Updated: 13 days ago
Virtual Wards
Dataset
Summary
Reference Code:
DAPB4073 Amd 49-2025
Publication Version:
1.0.0
Type:
Collections
Effective From:
02 February 2026
Applies To:
NHS Organisations, Community Interest Companies, Provider Organisations - including GP Federations
Conformance Date:
30 September 2026
Assurance Expiry Date:
31 January 2027
Topics:
- Data definitions and terminologies
- Provider
- Service
- Telehealth and Virtual Care
Care Settings:
- Care home
- Community health
- GP / Primary care
- Home
- Hospital
Alternate Name:
Hospital at Home
Introduction:
Virtual wards (also known as hospital at home) allow patients to get the care they need at home safely and conveniently, rather than being in hospital. The NHS is increasingly introducing virtual wards to support people at the place they call home, including care homes. \r\n\r\nThis is a new patient level minimum data set for Virtual Wards which can be collected daily. The data set collects data on Virtual Ward service provision, capacity, utilisation and basic operational data flows of patients through the services. Data will be collected via Secure and Local Federated Data Platform (FDP) tenants.\r\n\r\nVirtual Wards feature in the 10 Year Health Plan for England: fit for the future as a key component of the shift to neighbourhood care.
Publication Date:
04 February 2026
Contact Point
Contact Point:
Contact Point Comment:
For technical queries regarding the Federated Data Platform contact
ssd.nationalservicedesk@nhs.net
Collection/Extraction Details
Collection Level:
Record level
Frequency:
Dataset publication or collection occurs once a day.
Documentation
Description:
This is a patient level minimum data set for Virtual Wards which can be collected daily. The data set collects data on Virtual Ward service provision, capacity, utilisation and basic operational data flows of patients through the services. Data will be collected via Secure and Local Federated Data Platform (FDP) tenants.
Review & Status
Approval Date:
21 January 2026
Scope:
NHS Organisations, Community Interest Companies, Provider Organisations -
including GP Federations
Technical Committee:
Data Assurance Board (DAB)
Platform:
Federated Data Platform (FDP)
Mandated:
No
Status:
active
Origin
Name:
NHSE-SD Data Catalogue