A new hospital which allows patients to be treated 'virtually' while remining at home in their own beds has been unveiled.The hospital is a joint venture between Calvary and Medibank, delivering My Home Hospital for SA Health.But visits are made to patients, and if somebody becomes unwell a paramedic can be sent.
Dr Emily Kirkpatrick, executive medical director, said everything can be done while the patient stays in their own bed. "These patients can be really unwell often needing blood tests, imaging, oxygen therapy. all of that we deliver directly to the patient in their home," Kirkpatrick said. "We see this being a true game changer as to how we're going to deliver future health care in this nation."His doctor now checks in daily via a tablet from Macquarie Park in Sydney."Even though the nurses at the hospital are great, it's just nice to be in your own house.. and no hospital food."to receive our daily newsletters and breaking news alerts, sent straight to your inbox.
Some hospitals have opened virtual wards, but My Home Hospital is the first nationally-credited standalone operator, admitting public patients straight from GPs, ambulance call-outs or other hospitals.At a time when the nation's health system is under increasing pressure, other states are watching what's happening closely.