WCH@Home: An inpatient unit with a difference
A new ‘Hospital in the Home’ service is helping more children with less severe respiratory illnesses receive medical care from the comfort of their beds.
WCH@Home is run by a specialised team of doctors, nurses and general practitioners, and can provide virtual care and in-home nursing for children who have been assessed at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital with mild to moderate symptoms.
Jasper and his Mum, Sarah, were among the first to use the new service after presenting to Paediatric Emergency Department, when the six-year-old was admitted with Influenza and suspected Meningitis.
“After a one night stay in hospital, we were able to come home with a nurse visiting daily for IV antibiotics, and regular Telehealth chats with a paediatrician,” said Sarah, who mentioned that it also eased stress among the rest of the family too.
“Being able to stay home with Jasper’s brother and still receive that care was honestly just brilliant.”
Sarah gave an update on her home inpatient, who has been officially discharged and is now recovering well.
“It’s so good to have my bouncy, happy boy back. Thank you so much to the WCH@Home team for their care and support,” she said.
WCH@Home not only helps to provide safe and quality care in the comfort of home, but the team also supports the transition to this new environment by supplying families with any required medication, equipment, and necessary education.
The 7-day service is available to children aged 12 weeks to 17 years old, with capacity for up to 10 patients at any one time. Children can be referred to the service after being assessed at the Paediatric Emergency Department or as an existing inpatient, and must meet criteria that ensures the in-home model of care is appropriate for their physical and social needs.
Learn more about our Hospital in the Home Service by visiting WCH@Home page.