Hendrick Health is expanding its virtual nursing program to provide additional support for bedside nurses, with the program already showing results in emergency departments serving Brownwood and Abilene.
The health system said Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, that its virtual care team was activated Oct. 20 for the Progressive Care Unit on the second floor of Hendrick Medical Center South in Abilene. Virtual nursing support is scheduled to launch in November for the Progressive Care Unit at Hendrick Medical Center.
How the program supports patient care
The virtual care team consists of experienced Hendrick Health nurses who work from a command center at Hendrick Medical Center in north Abilene. Their role is to support bedside nurses and enhance patient care, not replace the hands-on care provided in person.
At Hendrick Medical Center South, the inpatient system uses cameras connected to patients’ televisions. When the live, two-camera feed is activated, a virtual nurse can help with admissions, patient education, assessments and discharges. That support gives bedside nurses more time to focus on hands-on care.
Brownwood connection and patient privacy
Hendrick Health began its virtual nursing program in 2025 with mobile video communication systems in all four of its emergency departments in Abilene and Brownwood. Since then, more than 2,500 virtual admissions have been completed in those emergency departments, with positive results in patient experience.
Patients retain control over when the inpatient system is used. When it is inactive, the cameras remain off and pointed toward the ceiling while patients can watch television. Before entering a room virtually, the nurse activates a virtual knock and then appears on the television screen to speak with the patient.
Hendrick Health said virtual nursing sessions are not recorded or stored, and no pictures are taken. After each visit, the nurse disconnects and the cameras return to their off position.