Hospital in the home to boost patient care in Rockhampton

Rockhampton Hospital patients are set to benefit from improved and enhanced health services thanks to a new hospital in the home scheme announced today.

Health Minister Stephen Robertson and State Member for Rockhampton Robert Schwarten said the program would deliver health benefits to local residents in addition to freeing up acute hospital beds.

“This service will mean eligible patients can recover from hospital treatment in the comfort of their own home, while still retaining access to health professionals and hospital services,” Mr Robertson said.

“In addition to aiding patient recovery, this service will also free up acute hospital beds for our sickest patients.

“This will deliver better health outcomes for local residents as Rockhampton Hospital continues to meet the growing demands of its rapidly increasing local population.”

Mr Robertson said the Hospital in the Home program would be up and running by early 2009.

“It will employ a team of health professionals to deliver services to up to 20 patients at a time in their own homes,” he said.

“Older patients in particular will benefit from the service,” he said. “When a patient is bed-bound for a week or longer there is a loss of muscle mass and they may lose their ability to function at home.

“Providing the same level of medical support they would get at hospital will put older patients on track for a quicker recovery and allow them to get their independence back sooner.”

Mr Schwarten said the optional service would be suitable for intermediately unwell patients, usually those requiring intravenous antibiotics.

“Hospital staff will be available to hospital in the home patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by phone to answer any questions or give health advice,” Mr Schwarten said.

“The service is not compulsory, and both the patient and their carers or support staff have to agree to take part.

“The service is available for a maximum period of two weeks, from 7am to 7pm, every day and if patients require ongoing treatment beyond this period, appropriate referrals will be organised for them.”