Evelina London's Groundbreaking Hospital at Home Initiative

A stunning new study from Evelina London Children's Hospital reveals a game-changing service that is freeing up 11,000 hospital bed days for child patients in just four years! That's right—this innovative Hospital at Home program is changing the way pediatric care is delivered.

Nurses now visit children in their own homes to provide critical medical procedures that previously required a trip to the hospital. This includes everything from wound care and administering medications to taking blood samples and monitoring heart rates.

Empowering Families and Improving Lives

Between 2018 and 2022, this initiative has supported an incredible 4,427 children, allowing many to shorten hospital stays or dodge admissions entirely. Consultant pediatrician Dr. Ronny Cheung, who led the study, emphasizes that this approach not only enhances the experience for young patients but should also be widely adopted moving forward.

"The goal is to keep children out of the hospital unless absolutely necessary," Dr. Cheung explains. The program operates across Lambeth and Southwark, preventing many admissions to Evelina London or King's College Hospital.

A Mom’s Perspective: How Home Treatment Changed Our Lives

Take it from Debra Mansi, whose son Gui, 14, has complex medical needs, including spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Since enrolling in the Hospital at Home program, the amount of time Gui spends in a hospital has plummeted by a staggering 85%.

"When he was younger, hospital visits could last a month, up to four times a year," Debra recalls. Now, she says, if Gui needs assistance with anything, a call to the Home Care team brings the help he needs right to their doorstep. "If he has an infection, they come twice a day. They are just amazing!"

This approach has given Gui more time for school and family activities, marking a new chapter in their lives. Debra confidently states, "It's been a game changer for us!"

The NHS's Bold Move Towards Virtual Wards

This initiative, sometimes referred to as virtual wards, is part of a broader NHS strategy aimed at reducing unnecessary hospital admissions. Dr. Cheung believes that the success of this model for adult patients can easily be transitioned to benefit children and adolescents, filling a crucial gap in pediatric healthcare.

With a proven track record and the potential to transform lives, the question arises: Could Hospital at Home become the future of pediatric care?