South Australia home to one of the first standalone virtual hospitals

The Calvary Medibank Joint Venture, which delivers SA Health’s My Home Hospital service, has become one of the first standalone virtual hospitals delivering acute care to be nationally accredited to the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards.

My Home Hospital patients receive virtual and face-to-face care in the community, enabling hospital level care in the home.

The national accreditation adds to the success of the service to date in strengthening the health system by providing patients with additional choice about where to receive their health care, often from the comfort of their own home.

The NSQHS Standards provide a nationally consistent statement about the level of care consumers can expect from health services. Assessment against the Standards includes consideration of a service’s standard of clinical governance, communication processes, medication safety and partnering with consumers.

Since its launch in January 2021, My Home Hospital has provided care to more than 7,200 patients across metropolitan Adelaide; the regions surrounding Gawler, Mount Barker and the Southern Fleurieu Peninsula; and local areas from Encounter Bay to Goolwa.

My Home Hospital provides hospital-level care to patients in the form of doctors, nurses, allied health practitioners, x-rays and blood tests, medication and other support services. The service accepts referrals for eligible patients 24-hours a day, every day of the year, for treatment of a range of clinical conditions that would otherwise require a patient going to hospital.

These conditions include:

• Infections requiring intravenous antibiotics, including cellulitis, pneumonia and mastitis
• Exacerbation of respiratory conditions
• Heart failure
• Post-operative care
• Gastrointestinal conditions
• Other conditions for which in-home care is considered safe and appropriate.

Emergency department clinicians, medical specialists, nurse practitioners, paramedics and general practitioners can refer patients by:

• Calling 1800 111 644 between 8am and 10pm
• Emailing completed referral forms to referrals@myhomehospital.com.au
• Faxing completed referral forms to 1800 333 644.

Integrated Care Systems Executive Director at SA Health, Jeanette Walters said, “This is a great recognition of a service we know provides a positive patient experience. Becoming nationally accredited supports the continued development and growth of My Home Hospital bringing hospital into the home for more South Australians.”

Calvary Medibank Joint Venture Executive Medical Director, Dr Emily Kirkpatrick agreed, “We are proud to be accredited as one of the first standalone virtual hospitals in Australia delivering acute care. My Home Hospital is a great example of how health care providers can partner with government to deliver a patient-centric service that increases accessibility to healthcare and takes pressure off the health system. Our virtual hospital offering will help build a stronger and more sustainable health system, providing greater choice for patients in how their care is delivered.”