The EMHS Home Hospital Service provides safe, comprehensive hospital-level care to patients in the home environment. For many patients, this ensures appropriate care is delivered in the most suitable setting. 

The service offers a combination of high-quality, in-person and virtual care seven days a week, to eligible patients in Perth's East Metropolitan area. By utilising advances wearable technology, the EMHS Home Hospital Service extends care beyond traditional hospital walls, seamlessly connecting hospital and home. 

Who is the Home Hospital team? 

This service is provided by a team of hospital Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists and Allied Health professionals including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, and Social Workers. After-hours, remote monitoring and support is provided by the Health In a Virtual Environment (East Metropolitan Health Service - HIVE – Health in a Virtual Environment) clinical team, consisting of Doctors and Nurses based at Royal Perth Hospital.

How does Home Hospital work?

Your hospital doctor can refer you to the Home Hospital Service if you are medically stable and your treatment can be safely managed at home. Please note you cannot self-refer to this service – a hospital referral is required.

After a referral is made, a nurse from the service will contact you to plan your treatment in collaboration with your hospital treating team to ensure you receive the same standard of safe, quality hospital care you need to support your recovery.

It is important to remember that although you are receiving care at home, you are still considered a hospital patient. If you have family, carers and friends who can help you with personal care and household tasks, this will further support your recovery.

What is a virtual consultation?

A virtual consultation connects healthcare professionals with patients and carers in the community using technology. Home Hospital clinicians use the secure HealthDirect platform for telehealth video appointments. If required, a member of the home visiting team can help set up and be present to support your care during the virtual consultation.

Consumers will need a mobile device with a camera, microphone, and internet connection to communicate using HealthDirect. Consumers will also have telephone access to a senior clinician throughout their care. 

What is a home visit?

A clinician from the Home Hospital team will arrange a time to visit you in your home and deliver suitable care to support your recovery.

Home visits are conducted between 8:00am and 8:00pm, seven days a week including public holidays.

If you require further investigations, such as medical imaging or specialised assessment, you may be asked to attend the Home Hospital clinical area at the hospital to have these completed. 

What is the wearable technology?

You may be provided with a wearable monitoring device as part of your care and treatment plan. This device includes a temperature sensor placed on the chest and/or a small wrist-worn device with a sensor for your finger. These devices may be used to support your care at home, by monitoring your heart rate, temperature, and breathing rate. 

What if I have medical concerns?

The Home Hospital team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Once you are admitted to the service, you will be provided with direct contact number to the clinical team if you have any concerns relating to your care. 

In an emergency

If you have a life-threatening medical condition, call 000 and request an ambulance or have someone take you to the nearest emergency department.

Discharge

When your condition has stabilised adequately, the Home Hospital team with liaise with your relevant community providers such as GP, community pharmacy or community allied health, to make sure that there is clear transition of your medical care.