Providing older people with a safe alternative to hospital.
The number of patients using Hospital at Home in Scotland rose by almost a quarter last year, it has been revealed, as funding allocations for NHS boards were announced.
A total of 13 local healthcare providers have been allocated a share of £3.6 million for Hospital at Home for older people to help ease pressure on frontline acute services.
Hospital at Home offers a safe alternative to admission to an acute hospital, with almost 15,000 older patients using the service in 2023/24 and this funding will support the continuation and development of existing programmes.
Confirmation of the awards comes as a new report from Healthcare Improvement Scotland highlights the impact that the Hospital at Home service for older people has had in 2023-24.
The findings show:
14,467 patients used Hospital at Home in 2023, up from 11,686 in the previous year
Total bed numbers increased by 58%, ahead of the Scottish Government’s 50% target
An estimated £14.9 million was saved in traditional hospital admission costs
A further estimated £36.3 million was saved in post-hospital care due to a reduction in re-admission.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have been awarded a £165,000 share of the funding.
Providing older people with a safe alternative to hospital
Hospital at Home is a a great service and it’s great to see the progress that the local Health Board is making to deliver it in Renfrewshire and across the rest of the region.
Commenting, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:
“Hospital at Home is a a great service and it’s great to see the progress that the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board is making to deliver it in Renfrewshire and across the rest of the region.
“The service has a positive impact, particularly on elderly patients, as it allows patients to receive acute treatment in an environment that they feel comfortable and familiar with.
“It also gives people greater independence during their recovery. Evidence shows that those benefitting from the service are more likely to avoid hospital or care home stays for up to six months after an acute illness.
“This is one of a range of measures that the Scottish Government have put in place to tackle delayed discharge numbers and free up beds within our hospitals.”