Lulu Leathley, who recently underwent surgery for bowel cancer, is now recovering comfortably at home after spending two weeks in the hospital. She expressed gratitude for being able to be with her family during the holiday season.
Introduced by Vancouver Coastal Health in 2024, the Hospital at Home (HAHP) program has expanded this year to include patients like Lulu who require pre- and post-surgery care and are in close proximity to the hospital.
Pam Papp, the director of operations at Vancouver General Hospital HAHP, highlighted the program’s benefits, emphasizing the regular connection between healthcare providers and patients to address any concerns promptly.
Patients recommended for the program by their doctors have access to 24/7 virtual or phone consultations with nurses. To date, the program has treated 600 patients, saving around 6,000 hospital bed days, according to VCH.
The BC Nurses Union has praised the program for its high patient satisfaction rates and its alleviation of strain on the healthcare system. The initiative has garnered support from various stakeholders, including BC Nurses’ Union President Adriane Gear and B.C. Conservative health critic Anna Kindy.
As more patients like Lulu experience the benefits of the program, the trend towards recovery at home continues to grow.