Counties Manukau’s Hospital in the Home service is gearing up to be even more effective in our community.
The service, which has been in operation since 2018, has met the needs of many thousands of eligible patients, who have received their acute hospital level care at home or place of residence.
In 2022 HITH took care of 1,520 patients and as of August, this year HiTH has already cared for 1,340 patients.
Charge Nurse Manager Cate Paras: “We employ a wide range of health professionals, including nurses and nurse practitioners, senior doctors, patient care assistants, as well as working closely with a team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers and pharmacists, just like a ward in the hospital.”
The service is gearing up to take on even more patients, with the use of a new wearable device to effectively monitor patients’ vital signs, like heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels from home.
Nurse Specialist Jade Cruz, who’s been working for the service for just over a year, said the team has become adept at managing acutely unwell people in their own home.
“We are committed to keeping them safe and, if needed, can re-admit them to hospital if the level of care they require cannot be safely delivered in the home.”
Jade is Filipino-trained and is working towards becoming a Nurse Practitioner – a vital role within the department.
“I love how we can assist home care patients with so many of their needs – whilst supporting their acute health care recovery we can also assist with everything from basic mobility to applying for a benefit or Accident Compensation.”