Jenny Morris  -  26 October 2023

As a rotational physiotherapist I had the opportunity to spend 8 months working with the hospital at home team. On my arrival, I was welcomed with open arms by an incredibly supportive and friendly team. Not really knowing what to expect, I initially found the thought of leaving the wards and venturing out into the community daunting; however, a part of me was intrigued and excited to see a different aspect of the patient pathway.

Throughout my time on the team not only was I able to build on my existing skills, but also have the opportunity to learn completely new ones, which I would not typically have the opportunity to do as a physiotherapist on the wards. I was introduced to new technology, which I never knew existed, from CBG machines to remote monitoring systems (Current health). All of which are essential to providing hospital care at home. I was also given the opportunity to go on a phlebotomy course, which allowed me to order and take venous blood samples. Whilst some patients were confused when I said that I was a physiotherapist and was going to be taking a blood sample, others were pleased that they didn’t need multiple visits from different members of staff. By having this extra training, it allowed the team to work much more efficiently, increasing the type of visits I was able to go on.

Whilst working on the hospital at home team I saw a variety of patients from nebuliser and oxygen weans, to monitoring bloods, to mobility assessments and providing equipment. All of these challenged my skills and knowledge in different ways. I found that whilst I was using my existing physio knowledge I had to adopt new ways of approaching my treatments with patients, taking into consideration factors that would not normally affect me on the wards. I had to consider the wider MDT in my assessments, asking questions and highlighting issues that typically are not part of a physiotherapy treatment. I feel that this way of thinking and working has enabled me to become a much more well-rounded clinician.

I would strongly recommend that if you have the opportunity to work on the hospital at home team (no matter what your profession) to take it! It provides an incredible insight as to what happens when the patients leave the wards and arrive home. Something that has changed how I approach my work on the wards. I feel so fortunate to have been able to work with a team of incredible nurses who always put their patients first and have patient care as a priority.