About us

Hospital in the Home & Virtual Care supports patients to have care in the safety and comfort of their own home.

Our experienced team of doctors, nurses and pharmacists work with your specialty treating team to manage your treatment plan from home, meaning you can go home sooner, or avoid the hospital all together.

How does it work?

If your treating team believes Hospital in the Home (HITH) is suitable for you, they will refer you to our service.

One of our nurses will assess your needs. If you’re eligible, we’ll work with you to plan your care – which may include home nursing visits, virtual care using technology, or a combination of both.

We’ll provide any equipment, supplies, and support services needed to deliver your care safely at home.
While you're receiving HITH care, you are still considered an inpatient of Austin Health. Our nurses stay in touch with your treating team doctors and update them on your progress.

To help us care for you safely, we ask that:

• You are at home and ready for scheduled visits or video calls.
• You are always contactable by phone.
• Your home environment is safe for both you and our staff.

When you no longer need hospital-level care, we’ll arrange for your care to be handed back to your GP, with any community supports you may need in place.

We’ll involve you, your family or support person, and your doctors in all decisions about your care.

Our services

General

Our skilled clinical team can manage a broad range of treatments and clinical conditions, safely and effectively at home.

Your treatment at home may include:

• Skilled nursing care for wound management, drains, and other clinical management
• Administration of IV antibiotics and other prescribed medications
• Support and monitoring after surgery to help with your recovery
• Chemotherapy infusions delivered safely at home
• Care and support to manage heart failure

You have 24/7 support from our nursing team. Day or night, a nurse is always on call to help and can quickly involve your treating team to ensure your care is managed safely at home.

Virtual Care

Using technology, we can see your vital signs (including you blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and oxygen levels) in real time.

Just like in hospital, we regularly check your vital signs and respond quickly to any changes. If you start to feel unwell, our team is available 24/7. We can review your clinical information, assess your symptoms, and work with you to decide the safest and best plan for your care.

Our clinical team connects with you through video calls to monitor your progress and support your recovery at home—helping you return home sooner or avoid a hospital stay altogether. If you need in-person nursing care or other supports, we can provide that too.

Watch a video about our Virtual Care service

Related services

• Ambulatory care

  Our Ambulatory Care Centre (ACC) is a day treatment and infusion centre.

• Specialist Clinics

  Find our clinic locations. Make, change or cancel an appointment.

• Blood & tissue tests

  Our tests help your doctor work out if something is wrong and the best way to treat you.

• Physiotherapy

  We care for and support people to improve their ability to move and function in daily life.

Referrals

To access our service, you’ll need a referral from an Austin Health clinician.

If receiving hospital-level care at home is safe and suitable for you, we’ll work closely with you and your treating team to make sure everything is in place for your care.

Contact us

Hospital in the Home & Virtual Care

Phone: 03 9496 3378

Fax: 03 9496 3359