Metro North’s virtual COVID Ward was named as a finalist in the Premier’s Awards for Excellence, in the Keeping Queenslanders Healthy category.

The virtual COVID ward was led by COH’s Mary Wheeldon, as Director of Operations.

Mary, together with Medical Director Dr Cameron Bennett, and Nursing Director Matt Langley accepted the honour on behalf of their multi-disciplinary team of clinicians and staff from allied health, medical, nursing, and administrative steams.

Mary said the virtual ward model enabled COVID-19 positive patients to remain in their homes for the duration of their designated isolation period, while receiving the holistic care they needed to get well and recover.

“The Virtual Ward was delivered using telehealth technology that focused on ensuring patients felt safe and connected at a time of unprecedented uncertainty.”

The virtual ward remains operational and ready to care for COVID-19 positive patients when needed in the future.