Virtual wards
The COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom caused huge pressure on hospitals. Remote patient monitoring using pulse oximeters meant that Covid patients could be kept out of hospital. The oximeter readings went into an app which analysed them in case medical attention was required.  More virtual wards for other problems were started.  In  December 2022 there were about 10,000 patients treated in these “virtual” beds.  In October 2023 it was agreed to expand the services for people suffering from heart failure.