Barwon Health program finalist in Victorian Public Healthcare Awards

A PROGRAM run by one of Geelong’s major healthcare services is in the running for the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards.

The Barwon Health Paediatric Eating Disorders Hospital in the Home Program (EDS HITH) is a finalist in the Care Closer to Home Category.

The innovative and novel program is for medically unwell young people with eating disorders, enabling them to receive high quality, hospital level care in their homes.

“The care is provided with oversight of a paediatrician with specialised nurses and a dietitian conducting daily or twice daily home visits providing meal support, medical monitoring, and family support,” paediatrician and HITH program lead doctor Jo Centra said.

“Our EDS HITH program benefits the young person and their family, mitigating potential risks of inpatient care.”

The healthcare awards celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of healthcare workers, public health services and health volunteers across a range of categories.

“I am incredibly proud of the work and the achievements of our Barwon Health paediatric Eating Disorders Hospital in the Home team, which has helped unwell young people with eating disorders to stay home and continue recovery with their families,” Dr Centra said.

The service was developed by Barwon Health’s Eating Disorders Service and Paediatric Unit to provide accessible and safe care, reduce the need for hospital admissions, and shorten hospital stays for young patients.

“Evidence suggests that lengthy hospital admissions for eating disorders may contribute to negative consequences for patients and their family,” Dr Centra said. “It’s important to be able to offer alternative models of care for young people where appropriate, including hospital in the home.”

The award recipients will be announced at the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards Gala Night on November 19.

For more information and the full list of finalists, head to health.vic.gov.au