Hospital at Home Service: Understanding the impact on family carers in Dorset
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Healthwatch Dorset wanted to investigate people's experience of virtual wards following their previous research on the experiences of carers supporting people discharged from hospital at home. They wanted to understand carers' perspectives on the services provided by virtual wards. They spoke to 18 carers.
- The majority of people are overwhelmingly in favour of the Hospital at Home service.
- 83% of respondents rated Hospital at Home service as very good; 11% rated it as adequate and 6% as just OK. No one rated it as poor.
- Even though carers may have experienced stress, they still rated their Hospital at Home service experience good.
- 78% of unpaid carers usually provide care. Of those, only 42% were a registered carer with their GP or local council.
- 89% of respondents felt they were kept fully informed about treatment provided.
- 89% of people knew where to access further support should they need it.