Western Isles patients are spending less time in hospital thanks to Hospital at Home

Hospital at Home is a ‘virtual hospital system’ where patients receive hospital level care in the comfort of their own home.

The team consists of Doctors, Nurse Practitioners and Healthcare Support Workers. Should you become unwell, an assessment will be made by your own GP, an Urgent Care Nuse or sometimes by the Ambulance Service on whether transfer to the hospital is required or if you could receive the same treatment at home.

Delivering integrated care in the community ensures patients are treated appropriately and quickly, avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions and enabling everyone across Lewis and Harris to live a good life, for as long as possible, in their own homes.

Intravenous antibiotics for skin infections, blood monitoring, oxygen therapy and intravenous diuretics are just some examples of the type of care than can be delivered at home.

When an older individual goes into a hospital or care home and lies in a bed for a prolonged period of time, it can further affect their wellbeing and physical function. This is known as ‘deconditioning syndrome’.

This can lead to an increased risk of falls, confusion or disorientation, further immobility, constipation and incontinence, poor appetite and digestion, and an increased risk of swallowing issues which can lead to pneumonia.

Receiving care in your own home has many benefits such as the comfort of being in your own surroundings, enabling your family to remain present, not disturbing your routine and enabling you to maintain your independence. This can all lead to fast recovery times and improved mental wellbeing.

A patient who recently used the service provided feedback, “Your team inspire confidence, which is essential when you are feeling unwell and unreliable. As they say attitude makes the difference. The Hospital at Home scheme is new but a vital part of the NHS armoury."

Hospital at Home patients are all cared for by senior medical staff and they work closely with other services such as Cardiac and Macmillan Nursing Teams.

The NHS is treating tens of thousands of people, with various conditions, safely in their own homes through Hospital at Home and virtual wards. Locally, the Hospital at Home service has reduced hospital admissions and the constant evolution of the service is striving towards enhancing better care at home for our patients.

The Hospital at Home team want to help you to avoid a stay in hospital or reduce the length of your stay.