Acute care at home east

The acute care at home service is a virtual ward concept currently consisting of 9 experienced registered nurses and an administration assistant. Our aim is to facilitate advanced nursing care and support to patients in their own homes or alternative care environment, in order to prevent admission to, or facilitate discharge from the acute hospital.

We can provide treatment up to twice daily.

The service operates from 8am to 8.30pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

We accept referrals from:

• acute and community hospitals
• other community professionals such as:
  • acute GP service and ambulatory care
  • out of hours service
  • community matrons
  • community nurses
• home first team
• other allied health professionals

The GP should have assessed community patients within 24 hours of referral and be prepared to maintain medical responsibility throughout the patient’s treatment, or, in the case of out of hours, until the patient’s own GP is available.

Referral procedure

Community

Refer direct to acute care at home east co-ordinator on 01752 857409 or call the Bodmin switchboard on 01208 251300. Then ask to speak to co-ordinator for acute care at home east to discuss plan of care.

Complete acute care at home community drug chart if required and email the acute care at home east team along with the patient profile. No FP10 is needed.

We would aim to begin intervention on the day of referral and once in receipt of the above documentation.

Acute hospital

Refer direct to acute care at home east co-ordinator on 01752 857409 or call the Bodmin switchboard on 01208 251300. Then ask to speak to co-ordinator for acute care at home east to discuss plan of care.

Complete an acute care at home east community drug chart if required and email the acute care at home east team with discharge letter if available.

Medications, diluents and flushes should be prescribed and provided by hospital.

Types of condition that can be managed by the team include:

• chest conditions such as COPD, chest infections, pneumonia
• cardiac monitoring such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure or IV diuretics for heart failure
• intravenous fluid replacement, (bolus), subcutaneous fluid replacement
• cellulitis
• short term provision of nebuliser therapy for exacerbation of respiratory complaints
• postoperative infections
• treatment of post-operative patients requiring IV antibiotic therapy
• sepsis screening, full set of observations at each visit

The team can provide intensive nursing support at home including:

• cardiovascular and respiratory examination
• IV therapy, including antibiotics, anti-emetics and diuretics
• management of midlines, peripherally inserted central catheter and implanted ports
• cannulation and phlebotomy
• blood sampling where results may be required urgently in order to guide or instigate a particular treatment plan

Advantages of using the service for the patient

• Patient’s recovery rate is improved by being in their own environment particularly the elderly and confused.
• More cost effective.
• Patient satisfaction.
• Social support networks are maintained.
• Rapid commencement of treatment.

Advantages of using the service for the GP

• More cost effective.
• Team will liaise with other services such as home first and community matrons, to ensure a seamless journey for the patient.

Limitations of using the service

The patient must:

• be agreeable to staying at home
• be over 18 years old
• have access to a telephone

General information for referrers

Please ensure the patient meets the above criteria; please contact us with any queries.

A nurse will visit the patient to undertake a full and complete assessment either in the hospital prior to discharge, or in their own home if referred via GP.

Throughout the patient’s treatment the team will liaise with you about any changes or concerns.