16

Oct 2024

Thousands to Receive Remote Care Following $31.4 Million Boost to Hospital in the Home Program

Published in General on October 16, 2024

Thousands of patients in NSW will soon receive medical treatment from home, as part of a government initiative to reduce hospital wait times. The Hospital in the Home (HITH) program is set to receive a $31.4 million boost, enabling it to treat an additional 3,500 patients annually. Last year, the program helped 5,300 patients, shortening their hospital stays and allowing many to be discharged early to continue their recovery at home.

In some cases, patients were able to avoid hospital visits altogether. "To relieve pressure on our emergency departments, we are creating more pathways to care outside the hospital, as well as improving patient flow within the hospital," said Health Minister Ryan Park. The additional funding is expected to free up more hospital beds, releasing nearly 9,000 hospital bed days each year.

The funding will also be allocated toward hiring additional staff and enhancing virtual care infrastructure to support the program's expansion. This will enable healthcare professionals to video-call and remotely monitor patients. The state government noted that various conditions can be safely managed from home, eliminating the need for hospital stays, and they are expanding the list of conditions that qualify patients for the Hospital in the Home (HITH) program.

Conditions covered by the program include cellulitis, pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and urinary tract infections. Liverpool Hospital and Campbelltown Hospital will participate in the program, with additional hospitals to be announced later. The expansion of the Hospital in the Home (HITH) initiative is part of a broader government investment to alleviate pressure on the healthcare system, which also includes $70 million for emergency departments and $100 million for urgent care facilities.