Hospital in the Home services expanded

Published Monday, 23 December, 2013 at 09:00 AM

Minister for Health
The Honourable Lawrence Springborg

Hospital in the Home will be expanded across the State from 1 January as a result of the Newman Government’s $28 million funding increase for the service.

The pilot program will be delivered by respected organisations Blue Care and Silver Chain in what is Queensland’s first community-based public-private partnership.

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said Hospital in the Home would provide treatment for skin, urinary tract and lung infections as well as blood clots in the legs and lungs.

“Hospital in the Home will remain a free, publically-funded service that many more Queenslanders will now have the choice to be able to access,” Mr Springborg said.

“Internationally, it has been proven to be a viable alternative to hospital admission, providing equal or better patient outcomes and better service delivery.

“Our Government is committed to delivering the best services, at the best time and in the best place.

“Expanding Hospital in the Home will mean patients can receive acute care by health professionals in the comfort of their own home, instead of being admitted to hospital.

“This is just another way our CanDo Government is revitalising frontline services to deliver better outcomes for patients.”

The $28 million increase in funding will mean Metro North and Metro South Hospital and Health Services with existing Hospital in the Home services will see the program expanded.

Sunshine Coast and Townsville will receive the service for the first time.

“Blue Care and Silver Chain are highly respected organisations already providing community services in Queensland and Western Australia and they have passed a rigorous selection process to be chosen for the pilot program,” Mr Springborg said.

Hospital in the Home is completely voluntary and patients can be referred through the emergency department of the hospital they initially attend.

[ENDS] 23 December 2013

Media Contact: Alexandra Foley 0419 794 294