HITH care is defined as “the provision of care to hospital admitted patients in their place of residence as a substitute for hospital accommodation. The place of residence may be permanent or temporary”
In RPH, provision of care by the HITH service includes several patient care groups:
- Hospital substitution
- Transition or step down
- Post acute care
Equity of access
Any person residing within the metropolitan catchment area with a condition/diagnosis suitable for delivery of hospital services in their home environment has the right of assessment of their eligibility for, and consequent provision of HITH services.
Patient/carer choice
Each patient /carer consents to the receiving of hospital services in their place of residence.
Patient Eligibility
Suitability for HITH care requires the meeting of criteria addressing:
- Patient’s diagnosis, medical suitability and suitability of treatment for home based delivery under the medical governance of a hospital medical/surgical team.
- Patient consent and independence or carer support
- All aspects of safety (for patient and staff) in delivery of care.
- Mans of communication, availability of transport and accessibility for staff and emergency vehicle.