Hospital in the Home

What is Hospital In The Home?

Hospital in the Home (HITH) allows selected patients the opportunity to receive acute care hospital services in their own home environment. HITH patients remain under the care of Swan Hill District Health as an inpatient whilst in the program.

HITH might start as a direct admission from the emergency department, or if already in hospital you can be transferred to HITH if the treating doctor deems it appropriate, you meet the criteria, and you agree to participate. Registered nurses deliver clinical care in collaboration with your doctor. Allied Health services can also assist in your care during your HTIH admission. Staff wear an official hospital badge when attending you at your home, so are easily identifiable allowing you to feel safe and comfortable and allowing us to provide your health care in the comfort of your own home.

What treatments do HITH provide?

The types of treatments that HITH can provide are any acute conditions that requires hospital care without a hospital environment. Some of the services include but are not limited to;

• Anticoagulation
• Heart failure management
• Complex wound care
• Negative pressure wound therapy
• Surgical drain management
• IV antibiotic  therapy
• Diabetes stabilisation management
• Sub-cutaneous medication administration

Benefits of HITH

• Provision of quality hospital care in a familiar, comfortable and private environment
• Less disruption to lifestyle, and allows return to normal activities as appropriate
• Less risk of infection
• Empowers you to make decisions about your health and lifestyle and provides the opportunity to make these choices with informed support from caring health professionals
• Eliminates the need for separation from family and friends

Referral to HITH

To receive care the HITH team will need to receive a referral from your treating team. You can be referred from many places including from other hospitals, any department within SHDH, and your G.P. You can have  part of your care delivered at home and part in hospital or if safe and appropriate, all of your care at home. Once your referral has been received it then needs to be accepted by the HITH team before care is arranged.