Staff from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust participated in the UK Hospital at Home Society Conference in Edinburgh earlier this month.

The Trust launched Northern Ireland's first Hospital at Home service as a 2014 pilot. The service delivers acute medical care to patients aged over 65 in their own homes, nursing homes or residential homes. A consultant geriatrician leads a team of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.

Last year the service treated 3,780 patients, up to 60 each day. These patients would otherwise require hospital admission.

The Trust team displayed 10 posters at the conference. The posters covered impacts from physiotherapy, nursing, dietetics, medicine and pharmacy perspectives.

Nurse Deborah Toal presented in the workforce and training session. Dr Patricia McCaffrey, Divisional Medical Director for Older People Services, chaired sessions on Hospital at Home and cardiac disease, and on risk-holding and complexity.

Consultant Geriatrician Dr Michael Goggin presented on a complex case of recurrent productive cough during one session.

Dr McCaffrey stated that the team provides medical intervention and multidisciplinary input to patients in their own homes. She noted the positive effects of remaining in familiar surroundings with face-to-face care on health and wellbeing.