HOSPITAL IN THE HOME (HITH) GENERAL INFORMATION

Admission to NCN@HOME HITH Program

Patients can be admitted to the NCN@Home HITH program by a number of sources:

Admissions from GP clinic

NCN Health Acute Ward or Urgent Care Centres

NCN Health Community Health and Wellbeing services

Residential Aged Care Facilities

Other Health Services

The treating doctor will complete a patient history and examination prior to the patient being admitted.

NCN Health HITH program

NCN@Home provides home-based care for patients who would otherwise require a stay in hospital.

Treatment is provided in your own home by the District Nursing staff in consultation with your own doctor.

Who can be treated in the NCN@Home program?

You can be treated in the program if:

Your condition is stable and you do not require 24-hour monitoring in a hospital ward,

You agree to share responsibility for your own medical care in your home environment,

You have support people available, a telephone and access to transport.

Who will care for me at home?

A nurse will visit daily as required to provide care, treatment and to monitor your progress. Access to advice is available 24-hours a day via telephone. A family member and/or support person should be available to assist with your daily needs. However, services such as home help or meals on wheels can be arranged if required.

When do I see my doctor?

You will need to be regularly reviewed by your treating doctor. The medical reviews may occur at home via telehealth, or at the GP Clinic.

What if I need help or advice?

Advice is available 24 hours a day by telephone. If problems cannot be solved over the telephone, you may need to return to hospital for review and/or additional treatment. Family or friends may need to provide transport in these circumstances

Health and safety

NCN Health is committed to ensuring a healthy and safe environment for its staff, patients and visitors.

Reporting a Hazard: If you observe a condition or activity that you believe has the potential to cause harm please report it as soon as possible to a staff member, who will take the appropriate action.

General Information

Smoke Free: NCN Health is proud to be a totally smoke free facility. It is illegal to smoke within 4 metres of any doorway.

Smoking is not allowed in the buildings or the hospital grounds.

We ask that you also refrain from smoking whilst our staff are visiting you in your home.

Patients who smoke may speak with staff to discuss their needs and access support. We can provide you with resources to help stop smoking.

Advocacy

An advocate is someone you choose to have support you when accessing services. The aim is to protect you if you are not able to speak up for yourself or to help you receive equal rights.

Not everyone needs or wants an Advocate but it is important to know it is an option for you.

Advocates can:

Support you to speak out on your own behalf

Speak for you to service providers and other groups

Refer you to other services

Ensure you are being listened to Provide information on rights

Who can be an Advocate?

Anyone can be an Advocate. An Advocate does not need to be an expert. They need to be able to listen and follow steps to resolve a complaint.

They are not a legal representative and do not receive payment. An example is a good friend whom you trust and will have your best interests at heart.

The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) is funded to provide free, confidential and independent advocacy support to older people, their families and representatives across Australia.

For more information, speak to the nursing staff or contact one of the services listed on the righthand side of the page.

72 Wyndham Street Shepparton Victoria 3630 (03) 5822 1944 www.riac.org.au

Senior Rights Victoria Level 4, 98 Elizabeth Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 1300 368 821 www.seniorsrights.org.au

Elders Rights Advocacy

Level 2,85 Queen Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 1800 700 600 www.era.asn.au

Office of the Public Advocate Level 5,436 Lonsdale Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 1300 309 337 www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au