Scunthorpe Journal is brought to you by CreateTVT
New scheme keeping patients out of hospital launches A brand-new service, which aims to keep people at home rather than in hospital, has been launched in Scunthorpe. Scunthorpe General Hospital has introduced a new OPAT (outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy) service, which means patients who require certain antibiotic infusions can now receive the care at an ambulatory unit or at home. Following the news that the service was to be launched, the fortunes of many patients has changed, now meaning they can receive the care they require in the comfort of their own home. One patient at Scunthorpe Hospital said: “I was not looking forward to having to put my life on hold for six weeks whilst I sat in a hospital bed having my treatment.
Page 18
“I was then told about OPAT, and it sounded like a great idea. There is no comparison, I have been able to pop into the ambulatory unit then go home. The staff have been flexible; they have always been so obliging and accommodating which is great.” The feedback towards the new OPAT service has been positive following its introduction this year. The service was trailed in 2017, where there were an estimated 744 saved hospital bed days across 57 patients – in what was a successful testing period. Now the service is in place at Scunthorpe General Hospital, employee Dr Singh has suggested patients can continue to live like normal. “Sometimes these type of treatments require the patient to stay for days and sometimes weeks. However, under OPAT, patients can continue to enjoy their everyday lives.”
Please mention Scunthorpe Journal when calling advertisers