Barwon Health program wins Public Health Award

BARWON Health’s Paediatric Eating Disorders Hospital in the Home (HITH) program has won at the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards.

Taking out the Closer to Home category, the HITH program cares for young people with eating disorders, within their home.

The Victorian Public Healthcare Awards acknowledge healthcare workers, public health services and health volunteers.

Program lead and paediatrician Dr. Jo Centra said she was delighted to receive the award and she was just one member of a fantastic team.

“I’m just part of a really core group of people who contributed to the program, we’ve got some wonderful nursing staff and a dietician, who’s a co-lead with me, we’re supported by a nursing manager and Barwon Health broadly.”

Dr.Centra said the judges mentioned how outstanding the submission was and believes they saw the value and contribution of the program.

“It’s a unique program that offers the opportunity for young people to stay connected to their families and communities while the receive really high-quality care that’s usually provided in a hospital setting.”

Developed by Barwon Health’s Eating Disorders Service and Paediatric Unit, the program has reduced the need for hospital admissions and shortened hospital stays for young patients.

Care is provided with oversight from a paediatrician, with specialised nurses and dietitians providing home visits and a range of other supports.

“I hope we can continue to provide really good care for young people in the Barwon region, but we’ve also talked to many groups both in Victoria and interstate about adapting the models for their own use,” Dr. Centra said.

For the full list of award recipients, head to health.vic.gov.au