Hospital at home scheme launched 4/2/14
A pilot project which allows patients to be treated at home rather than go into hospital
has been launched by NHS Western Isles.
The Hospital at Home project allows a rapid response team made up of GPs, nurses,
social care and health care staff.
It provides for limited periods of nursing care and treatment in patients’ own homes,
for certain conditions that could have otherwise resulted in patients going into
hospital.
The pilot project will operate in Stornoway and the surrounding areas until the end
of May.
Community Lead Nurse, Kathleen McCulloch, explained: “Increasingly, given the choice,
patients and their carers show a preference for receiving nursing care at home, when
they have the confidence that it will be provided by skilled practitioners offering
continuity of care and working collaboratively.
“Hospital admission, where possible, should be a last resort. Unnecessary admission
or a prolonged length of stay in hospital – in particular for the frail elderly and
those with long-term conditions – can lead to a loss of confidence and function.
“Our ultimate aim therefore is to manage people effectively within their own homes,
where clinically safe and appropriate.
“I would like to make it clear that there will be strict criteria for referral to
the rapid response team, and anyone who requires hospital treatment will still be
admitted as an inpatient. Referrals will only be made to the rapid response team
by GPs and the Medical Assessment Unit at Western Isles Hospital.”