Our home from hospital service has helped 640 people either return home, or never leave it in the first place. Often people go into hospital for health reasons because they can’t get the help they need at home.
Imagine being unwell, but not quite in need of a 999 ambulance. You call 111, unsure what to do next. That’s where the Urgent Community Response Team steps in. They help with an innovative service known as Hospital from Home.
This team of paramedics and clinicians are changing how we respond to urgent health needs in the community. Instead of a hospital visit, they come to you, offering up to two hours of hands-on care. And if needed, they come right to your home.
Number of people helped
Our First Point Dorset team run the Home from Hospital service
What does home from hospital do?
- Rapid Response: If your condition is urgent but not life-threatening, the team can be dispatched via 111.
- On-the-Spot Treatment: Equipped with medicines and clinical expertise, they deliver interventions immediately—no waiting rooms, no delays.
- Follow-Up Support: For up to 10 days, patients receive welfare calls to monitor recovery, ensure triage has taken place, and offer ongoing reassurance.
Between January 2024 and March 2025, this service is estimated to save the NHS nearly £2.5 million—a testament to its efficiency and impact. But the real value lies in the lives it touches.
Hospital from Home supports people facing a wide range of challenges:
- Frequent falls and frailty: Quick assessments and safety interventions, including alarm installations.
- Carer fatigue: Relief for families stretched thin, with professional backup and guidance.
- Diabetes and infections: Timely treatment that prevents escalation.
- Mobility issues: Support with moving aids and referrals to occupational therapy.
- Equipment needs. For example, a new hospital bed, hand rails in shower etc.
- Social isolation: Companionship calls and signposting to services like Age UK.
- Memory loss and dementia: Early intervention, safeguarding, and referrals to multidisciplinary teams (MDTs).
- Hoarding and home safety: Sensitive support to address environmental risks.
- Housing issues, like deep cleans, repairs.
- Advocating on behalf of the clients with landlords, housing accusations and councils.
One recent case involved a woman with early-onset dementia. Her family was overwhelmed, unsure where to turn. The paramedics not only treated her immediate needs but referred her into an MDT, flagged her for priority support, and ensured the family received help with food and essential aids.
Hospital from Home isn’t just about clinical care—it’s about compassion. It’s about meeting people where they are, in moments of vulnerability, and offering practical help with dignity.
Whether it’s a lonely afternoon after losing a partner, or a chaotic home environment that’s become unsafe, this service steps in with empathy, expertise, and real solutions.
