Hospital in the Home (HITH) provides acute care to patients at home, in our clinics, or other settings as a substitute for in-hospital care.
 

Our highly skilled staff care for patients using a range of technologies and treatments. We also collaborate with Sydney Local Health District's Emergency Hospital in The Home service – EHITH. 

Hospital in the Home (HITH) care 

There are a number of conditions that can be effectively and safely managed by HITH at home. This includes but is not limited to: 

• Cellulitis
• Pneumonia
• Deep Vein Thrombosis
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Mastitis
• Pyelonephritis
• Urinary Tract Infections
• Hyperemesis Gravidarum
• Osteomyelitis
• Diabetic foot infections
• Heart Failure
• Infections in immunosuppressed patients
• Bacteraemia
• Septic Arthritis
• Endocarditis

Some of these conditions are managed by Hospital in the Home in liaison with other hospital specialist teams.

What are the benefits?

The care received through the Hospital in the Home service is comparable with care you would receive in hospital. The service can reduce your length of stay in hospital and often can avoid a hospital admission altogether. Some of the benefits include:

• The ability to stay in the comfort of your own home
• Not having to adjust to the Hospital’s routine – maintain your regular routine, choose your visiting hours and sleep in your own bed
• Reduced risk of hospital related complications – for example falls and infections

How does it work?

Your GP or treating doctor will recommend the Hospital in the Home (HITH) service for your treatment. If you agree, they will then phone the HITH doctor to make a referral and an appointment will be made for you at the appropriate Hospital in the Home clinic for your initial assessment.

On your first visit you will need to bring your Medicare Card and discharge or referral letter. You will be assessed by the HITH Doctor and nurse who will discuss your treatment options with you. If consenting, you will be seen by the Hospital in the Home team for treatment.

Medications required for complex treatment will be supplied by the hospital pharmacy.

Download the HiTH flyer

Our Locations

Information for GPs

Information on how to make a referral can be found on the HealthPathways Sydney website. Follow the clinical pathways for assessment and required referral information, and for links to all four Sydney Local Health District HITH services.

Emergency Hospital in the Home (EHITH)

Emergency Hospital in the Home (EHITH) was launched in November 2022. EHITH provides acute assessment and care at a patient’s home. The service operates 7 days a week. Hours are from 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am– 6.30pm on weekends.

Emergency Hospital in the Home can respond to acute problems including, but not limited to:

• Falls
• Immobility
• Acute wound care
• Catheter/feeding tube problems
• Confusion
• Acute functional decline
• Mild respiratory issues
• Pain (excluding chest pain)

How does it work?

Once referred, an EHITH doctor and nurse will visit you at your home and undertake a thorough acute assessment, determine if you are safe to remain at home and discuss treatment options with you.

From there, Emergency Hospital in the Home (EHITH) can refer you onto other services such as Hospital in the Home (HITH), Sydney District Nursing, Allied Health, Aged Care community services and Ambulatory services for longer care management if required.

The option to present to hospital for care will continue to be provided to all patients.

Who can refer?

Referrals are accepted from the following services:

• NSW Ambulance
• General Practitioners
• Geriatricians

Inclusion criteria

• Aged over 65 years
• Aged over 50 years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population
• Aged under 65 years displaying geriatric or frailty syndromes (on a case-by-case basis)
• Potential to safely remain at home with urgent medical and nursing review