A pioneering community-based service launched by East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust three years ago is seeing more patients than ever being cared for in their own homes.
Now in its third year, the Trust's virtual wards programme, Hospital at Home, has seen more than 45,000 patients being treated in the comfort of their own home instead of being admitted to hospital.
Through a virtual ward approach, patients are assessed, treated and supported at home, helping to reduce the pressure on the Trust’s inpatient wards and services and freeing up space for others to receive care quicker.
Chief Integration Officer at the Trust, Tony McDonald, said: "We know that people can recover better and faster at home where they are surrounded by familiar comforts which is why we start planning how we can get each patient home as soon as they step through our doors.
"Enabling 45,000 patients across East Lancashire to be treated from the comfort of their own home is a remarkable achievement
“Our colleagues in our community-based services are making the most brilliant difference to our patients and their families and I am so incredibly proud of them for providing such safe, personal and effective care.”
Over the past three years, Hospital at Home has:
· Enabled thousands of patients to recover in familiar surroundings, close to family and support networks.
· Reduced pressure on hospital beds, helping the Trust to manage demand more effectively.
· Delivered care through a dedicated team of clinicians, nurses, and support staff using innovative digital technology to monitor patients remotely.
Hospital at Home is just one of a number of community services that has been introduced by the Trust to support patients in their own homes rather than traditional hospital settings, which is not only beneficial to patients but also ensures hospital beds are used in the most effective way. Any patients interested in knowing more about Hospital at Home and if it might be suitable for their care and treatment are encouraged to ask their ward team, GP or community service.