More patients getting better from the comfort of home

NEW data reveals the state government’s Better at Home program has delivered more than one million admitted bed days at home since it began in July 2020, providing thousands of patients in regional Victoria with necessary care while freeing up hospital beds.

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas announced the milestone, noting that the program, initially a pilot, was now a permanent fixture.

“Giving Victorians the option of in-home treatment allows them to get better in the comfort of their own home surrounded by their loved ones, while also freeing up beds in our hospitals to meet sustained demand,” Ms Thomas said.

Over 45 health services across the state now offer in-home and virtual care programs, covering various specialties and treatments tailored to community needs.

The program has benefited patients such as Desi Illiopoulos, diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in January.

After multiple rounds of chemotherapy and extended hospital stays, Desi was admitted to Austin Health’s Virtual

Care Ward.

There, she used a bio beat device, a small watch that measures blood pressure and temperature, enabling her to recover at home with her family.

Patients in regional locations have particularly benefited, allowing them to get home sooner while maintaining access to clinical care through

ongoing monitoring despite not living in a major city.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said the community would benefit from the successful initiative, “allowing patients across the region to get home sooner, while ensuring constant access to care through ongoing monitoring”.

The care model has been linked to improved health outcomes, providing greater comfort, convenience, and an easier transition back to community care.