What is this program about?
It's a service that allows you to receive your medical treatment at home, rather
than at a hospital. HCF has contracted Stanhope Healthcare Services – an accredited
community nursing service - to help administer the program.
The service will be delivered on the Central Coast, Nepean, the Blue Mountains,
Northern Beaches and in north, west and eastern Sydney depending on the availability
of staff.
What are the benefits?
Put simply, you can receive your treatment in the privacy of your own home rather
than being admitted to hospital. You will still receive the same treatment you would
expect in a hospital. If you are currently in hospital it means you can receive
an early discharge and continue your treatment at home, avoiding a lengthy stay.
How do I enrol?
First of all, your doctor will need to assess whether you're medically stable to
receive your treatment outside of hospital. If so, your doctor will refer you to
the program with a care plan and a predicted length of stay.
You'll also need to have a carer when required, access to a phone if an emergency
occurs, and your home environment must be suitable and safe.
How does the program work?
Once your doctor's referral is sent to Stanhope, a Stanhope staff member will contact
you within 24 hours to arrange for a nurse to visit you. At the first visit, the
Stanhope nurse will thoroughly assess your condition and then work with your doctor
to provide the best treatment program for you.
Read more…
The visits will be daily (or at a time agreed by both you and your doctor), and
regular updates will be provided to your doctor. When you've completed your treatment,
your doctor will authorise a formal discharge from the program. You'll also receive
information on self-managed treatments, follow up consultations with your doctor
and any referral-based follow up services required.
Treatments available are:
- Administration of IV antibiotics
- Advance acute wound management
- Diabetes medication management
- Deep vein thrombosis management
- Urinary catheter management
- Palliative care (end stage)
What is the cost?
Services provided to you by Stanhope Healthcare will be funded by HCF.
Depending on your level of HCF cover, you may be required to pay for some pharmaceuticals
and/or equipment aids.
Please call HCF directly on 13 13 34 to confirm this.
HCF cover does not cover medical charges from your doctor, pathology or radiology
charges but medicare rebates are all available for these services.
Is there anything else I should know?
You'll need to hold HCF hospital cover and not have a pre-existing condition within
the 12-month waiting period. You'll also need approval from your doctor to participate.
Your privacy is important to us. The information you provide to Stanhope Healthcare
Services will remain confidential and will be used only for treatment purposes and
in the final evaluation of the pilot. The HCF privacy policy can be viewed at
www.hcf.com.au/privacy-policy.
If you require further information or to wish to provide feedback, please contact:
HCF Clinical Review team
T. (02) 9290 0256
E. clinicalreview@hcf.com.au
Stanhope Healthcare Services
T. 1300 732 370 (7 days/week)
W. www.stanhope.com.au
Patient referrals can be faxed to (02) 9487 1655.
