My husband has advanced Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease. He has been in a nursing home since 2022. He was recently referred to the Hospital at Home team, as he wasn't responding to antibiotics for a chest infection. The admitting doctor diagnosed him with aspiration pneumonia and he was prescribed intravenous antibiotics and nebuliser.
The doctor and nurses from this small team have provided him with excellent, compassionate care since. This wonderful service prevented him from being admitted to hospital via an ED. He was able to receive medical attention whilst being cared for in his own bed, by caring staff who know him and he knows.
The HaH team engaged positively with him and particularly with me, keeping me informed and involved in his care planning. This is an exceptional service that I feel is provided on short-term contracts and with insufficient funding. I would anticipate that an evaluation of this service would demonstrate positive experiences for patients and families, better clinical outcomes as patients are supported to stay in their own environments without the trauma of hospital admission, and it must be more cost-effective.
In my view, every effort should be made to mainstream and adequately resource this excellent service.
"This is an exceptional service"
About: Older People’s Services / Hospital at Home Northern Sector Older People’s Services Hospital at Home Northern Sector Londonderry BT47 6WH
Posted by maryelizabeth (as ),
Do you have a similar story to tell?
Tell your story & make a difference ››
Responses
See more responses from Maire O Hara