Successful start to Hospital at Home scheme

The trials, which began last month, were all completed successfully.
Three patients went through the process of entering hospital, formally entering into the Hospital at Home programme, being treated from home and then discharged into relevant community services following home care.
Project manager David Lighterness said: “The trials went very well and all of the patients felt really comfortable. Everybody gave really good feedback”
Following the trials, between one and two patients per unitary area will now be able to enter into the scheme.
However, there are plans to extend this number following a further board meeting on September 15.
“We are now trying to get an agreement with the providers to really get the project going,” said Mr Lighterness.
“We have agreed with Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust to take one or two patients each week.”
“Safety is our top priority and until a further board meeting next month we will only have one or two patients each week.
“In the meantime, we will work on ironing out any other uncertainties.”
Concerns about the scheme had been addressed at a health and well-being board meeting in Newbury last month when matters discussed included reduced quality of care outside of hospital and a rush to free up beds.
Cathy Winfield of Berkshire West Clinical Comissioning Group and Dr Bal Bahia, who represents the Newbury and District CCG, both expressed their support for the scheme which Ms Winfield called “a partnership with patients”.