Got net-zero news, project updates, or product launches to share? £3.6m to improve Hospital at Home service
The Scottish Government is committing £3.6 million to continue investing in the Hospital at Home for Older People initiative in 2024/25, bringing the total funding allocation for the project to over £15 million since 2020.
Hospital at Home is a groundbreaking service that allows individuals to receive acute support treatments in the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need for hospital admission. Services such as intravenous drips and oxygen supplies can be administered, and patients have access to hospital tests under the care of a consultant right at home.
Recent statistics released by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) have highlighted the success of the Hospital at Home service for Older People over the past year. Key achievements between April 2023 and March 2024 include:
- Total bed numbers have increased by over 57%, surpassing the Scottish Government’s target of 50%
- A total of 14,467 patients utilized the Hospital at Home service, up from 11,686 in the previous year
- The Hospital at Home service now ranks as the eighth largest “hospital” for older people emergency inpatients, alongside Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Stirling
Health Secretary Neil Gray expressed his satisfaction with the growing popularity of Hospital at Home as an alternative care option for elderly patients. He highlighted the increased availability of Hospital at Home beds and the rising number of patients opting for this service.
Gray stated, “Hospital at Home offers individuals the chance to recover in familiar surroundings, promoting independence during the post-acute treatment period. Evidence shows that those who benefit from this service are less likely to require hospital or care home stays for up to six months after an acute illness. This initiative is part of our efforts to address delayed discharge numbers and alleviate the pressure on hospital beds.”
Belinda Robertson, associate director of improvement at Healthcare Improvement Scotland, commended the additional funding announcement, emphasising its positive impact on patient access to Hospital at Home services. Robertson noted that over 14,400 individuals avoided hospitalization in the past year thanks to Hospital at Home.
She added, “We have seen a growing number of NHS boards and Health and Social Care Partnerships embracing Hospital at Home by establishing and enhancing services. Our ongoing support aims to facilitate service development and knowledge sharing in the coming year.”
The continuous investment in Hospital at Home for Older People reflects the Scottish Government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services and providing innovative care solutions for the elderly population. With increased funding and support from Healthcare Improvement Scotland, Hospital at Home is set to positively impact patient care across Scotland.
