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North MSP says Hospital at Home scheme can help ‘transform care delivery’





Maree Todd: 'This is a hugely welcome investment that will directly benefit patients in my constituency.'
Maree Todd: 'This is a hugely welcome investment that will directly benefit patients in my constituency.'

A scheme that provides hospital-level care for patients in their own homes has been hailed by Maree Todd as “a smart way to relieve pressure” on the health service.

The SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross welcomed new Scottish Government funding for Hospital at Home, with the programme expected to be expanded to 2000 total beds by the end of 2026.

Investment of £85 million will be targeted at NHS frailty services.

The Hospital at Home service mainly provides care for frail, older people in their own homes and who may be suffering with acute illnesses and health conditions, including respiratory and cardiac conditions, infections or treatment after a fall.

Keeping patients in their own homes ensures they can stay in familiar surroundings rather than be separated from family, friends and pets, while also helping to reduce some of the risks associated with hospitalisations such as acquiring infections and lessening delayed discharge from hospital due to waits for care provision.

The funding will also be used to support the introduction of frailty services in every A&E department by the end of summer 2025, with a view to cutting the average length of stay for vulnerable patients.

Ms Todd said: “This is a hugely welcome investment that will directly benefit patients in my constituency, especially older and more vulnerable members of the community.

“Expanding Hospital at Home not only delivers better outcomes for patients, it’s a smart way to relieve pressure on our hospitals.

“Keeping people in their own homes, surrounded by their loved ones and receiving hospital-level care, is an innovation Scotland should be proud of.

“Our NHS staff are going above and beyond every day, and services like Hospital at Home are a clear example of how we can transform care delivery for the better.

“This funding shows the SNP government’s determination to improve health outcomes, tackle delayed discharge and get patients the right care in the right place.”

First Minister John Swinney said: “I am resolutely focused on taking the necessary action to reduce wait times and clear the blockages leading to delayed discharges across our NHS.

“This investment will ensure many patients can receive first-class NHS care in the comfort of their own homes and not have to travel to a hospital where it isn’t required.

“Expanding Hospital at Home to 2000 beds by December 2026 will create the largest ‘hospital’ in the country, thereby improving the flow of patients throughout the NHS and generating greater capacity for staff.

“The NHS is Scotland’s greatest treasure but we know we must do better to ensure patients get the care they need, when and where they need it.”


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