Two weeks after an unexpected surgery for bowel cancer, **Lulu Leathley** is now recovering comfortably at home. The innovative **Hospital at Home (HAHP)** program, launched by **Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)** in **2024**, has allowed her to receive care in familiar surroundings while spending quality time with her family during the festive season.
The HAHP initiative, which has recently expanded to include pre- and post-surgery patients like Leathley, aims to ease the burden on hospital resources while providing convenient care. Located near **Vancouver General Hospital**, patients can access virtual consultations with nurses and doctors around the clock.
Pam Papp, director of operations at the Vancouver General Hospital HAHP, explained the program’s approach: “The nurses connect, and the doctors connect with the patients routinely and regularly throughout the day, so if there are any concerns, the nurses will know about it.” This model not only ensures continuous care but also enhances patient comfort and satisfaction.
Since its inception, the program has successfully treated approximately **600 patients** and has saved an estimated **6,000 hospital bed days**. This significant impact highlights the program’s effectiveness in addressing healthcare demands in the region.
The **BC Nurses Union** has noted an increase in patient satisfaction associated with the HAHP program, which provides relief to a healthcare system facing unprecedented pressure. Adriane Gear, president of the **BC Nurses’ Union**, expressed cautious optimism about the program’s expansion, stating, “This does seem like a bold expansion.”
Support for the HAHP program crosses party lines, reflecting a rare consensus among legislators. **Anna Kindy**, the health critic for the **B.C. Conservative Party**, shared her views, saying, “I think it’s a good idea. If it’s a low acuity surgery or postoperatively they are stable, patients are often better at home.”
As the HAHP program continues to develop, patients like Leathley are discovering that their path to recovery can indeed lead home, underscoring the potential for innovative healthcare solutions to improve patient experiences and outcomes.
