New KGH program offers patients ‘hospital-level care’ at home

A new program out of Kelowna General Hospital is giving Central Okanagan residents the option to receive “hospital-level care” at home.

Interior Health says the Hospital at Home program has already supported 30 patients in Kelowna since launching in January.

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“Giving patients the option to recover in their own home improves not only their comfort and independence, but also their overall experience with the healthcare system,” explained Susan Brown, IH president and CEO.

“Hospital at Home combines quality and patient-centred care beyond our acute facilities, because for some patients home is best.”

Patients in the program will receive daily visits by a dedicated team of health professionals that includes physicians, registered nurses and allied health providers.

Along with the visits, they’ll have access to 24/7 support by phone and regular virtual check-ins through a call bell, says IH.

Josie Osborne, BC’s minister of health, says the “internationally-recognized program” has proven to be very successful in other areas and will improve care at KGH.

“As one of Canada’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas, it is crucial that we continue to evolve our healthcare services to meet the needs of our growing and aging population,” said Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas, chair of the Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District.

“By providing hospital care in the comfort of patients’ homes, the Hospital at Home program is a significant step forward in delivering accessible, sustainable and high-quality healthcare to our community.”

If a patient no longer wants to participate in the program, or their condition changes, IH will coordinate their transfer back to KGH.

To learn more about the Hospital at Home program, click this link.