Hospital in the Home

South West Healthcare Hospital in the Home (HITH) Service provides in home Acute Nursing Services to people who would otherwise require a hospital bed. It services a radius area of 30km around Warrnambool.

Nursing care is available from 0700- 2130hrs and on call for emergencies from 2130hrs through to 0700 hrs. The evening HITH service is provided by Warrnambool District Nurses.

The Hospital in the Home Service aims to:

  • Ensure the delivery of high quality, professional nursing care.
  • Treat clients and their families when acutely sick in the security of their own home/ nursing home for as long as necessary.
  • Promote independence and self-management.

You are eligible for HITH services if

  • You are a public or private patient, Work Cover, TAC or DVA.
  • The Health professionals responsible for the client assess the client’s health status as stable.
  • The client is comfortable about the arrangement and they have someone available to provide assistance in their home.
  • The home environment is safe for the nurse to visit.
  • You have access to a telephone.

HITH Nurses are able to provide a full range of acute nursing services and the service is included in South West Healthcare’s Accreditation from the Australian Council of Healthcare Standards.

Referrals are accepted from local General Practitioners with admitting rights to South West Healthcare and from inpatient units of Victorian Public Hospitals. Referrals are to be made in accordance with South West Healthcare HITH Policy by contacting the office on ph: 55644177 during office hours or the HITH Nurse on M: 0418337220. Contact must be made with the office, speaking to the Unit Manager Lisa Brooks or to the HITH nurse. The referral will be accepted if the client meets the eligibility criteria, but unfortunately at times a waiting list is in place.

HITH is a free service to clients; it is funded through the Hospital. On admission the HITH Nurse will be able to assess your need for a range of other services including meals and home help. Client’s rights and responsibilities are clearly outlined in our HITH booklet.