FAQs
How are patients referred into the programme?
Referrals into the programme are made by the consultant in the hospital via the Clinical Nurse Manager (CNM) attached to the hospital. All relevant staff in the hospital setting will be able to readily contact this individual to discuss any particular patient regarding the service. The CNM will be contactable by mobile telephone. Any specific enquiries regarding a patient referred from a particular hospital will be dealt with by the managing member of the nursing team.
Once contacted, the CNM will liaise with the relevant staff to process the patient into the service. This will include a “check list” regarding the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Once the patient is deemed suitable for the service by the managing physician, the CNM will arrange for the transport of the patient from the hospital to their home for continuation of their treatment.
How often is a patient seen at home?
In all situations the patient is seen by a member of the Vhi HomeCare team at least once a day, and up to 4 times a day where required. In some situations patients may be requested to attend a diagnostic centre/hospital (transportation will be provided where necessary).
Do patients remain under the care of the referring physician?
All patients accepted into the programme are deemed to be under the direct care of the Vhi HomeCare Medical Director. While the actual care plan, required therapy and prescription will initially be the decision of the referring physician, this therapy may be changed by the Vhi HomeCare physician in consultation with the referring consultant. At all times the best clinical interest of the patient is central to the operation of the service. All referring physicians will be readily able to contact the co-ordinating nurse through the relevant channels to discuss or monitor patient progress.
Are medications and equipment provided?
Yes, all medication and equipment are provided by the Vhi HomeCare team. Patients referred from hospitals will have a care plan agreed, in consultation with the referring hospital physician and initial doses of medication administered before discharge.
How are patients transported from and to the participating hospitals/diagnostic centres?
As part of the service, a dedicated fleet of patient transport vehicles is being provided. Each referring hospital will have a vehicle attached to its nursing team with the nursing team themselves transporting patients from emergency departments and wards to home, where necessary. In the event that a patient requires specialised medical transport the usual ambulance services will be utilised.
If a patient requires re-admission to hospital, what is the procedure?
Data suggests that a percentage (between 4 and 6%) may require re admission to hospital while being cared for in the programme. Re-admission protocols exist for all clinical conditions treated. A decision on re-admission is made by the Vhi HomeCare Medical Director in consultation with the medical and nursing team attending the patient.
How are patients discharged from the service?
Patients will be discharged from the service by the Vhi HomeCare team directly to the their General Practitioner or other appropriate managing physician.
