NGH introduces program to help patients continue recovery at home

(Simcoe, ON) – Patients leaving Norfolk General Hospital will soon be able to continue their recovery with hospital-level care at home. Norfolk General Hospital (NGH), in partnership with Bayshore Integrated Care Solutions (BICS), is launching NGH@Home, Ontario’s first Hospital to Home Program to help people recover safely where they live.

The program helps bridge care for patients as they leave the hospital, providing short-term medical support at home during their recovery. Most patients will complete the program within an eight or 16-week period and will not require additional community care once discharged.

NGH@Home will help reduce pressure on hospital services, including the Emergency Department, while also freeing up beds across the hospital for patients who need urgent or complex care. The program supports provincial efforts to deliver more care in the community and improve patient flow across Ontario’s health system.

Care is provided by a dedicated team of physicians, nurses, and community partners. The program also uses remote monitoring and virtual tools to help patients and families stay connected with their care team throughout recovery. This means patients can spend less time in hospital and more time surrounded by loved ones, with the care and monitoring they need to recover safely.

NGH@Home is now available to patients. The program provides up to 16 weeks of coordinated care and follow up support based on each person’s individual needs.

“NGH@Home reflects our commitment to caring for people in the way that best meets their needs,” said Amanda Sonnenberg, Medical Director of the 3E Medical Unit at NGH. “By bringing hospital-level care into the home, we are improving comfort, safety, and recovery for patients. It allows people to heal in familiar surroundings, close to loved ones, and helps families feel more supported throughout the process. This approach also reduces strain on hospital capacity and strengthens our ability to deliver compassionate, community-based care for everyone we serve.”

Before NGH@Home, some patients had to stay in hospital longer while waiting for home supports to be arranged. The new program helps patients return home sooner while keeping their care plan on track. While NGH@Home will work with Ontario Health@Home to support seamless transitions where appropriate, patients will not receive care from both programs at the same time.

“This program ensures patients receive the care and support they need in the place that is best for them,” said Kim Mullins, Vice-President of Clinical and Chief Nursing Executive at NGH. “It helps people, especially seniors, return home safely and continue their recovery with confidence and comfort. By supporting patients at home and preventing unnecessary readmissions, we are also helping keep hospital beds available for those who need them most.”

Patients will be supported from the moment they leave the hospital, with care plans tailored to their individual needs and access to a 24/7 phone line for questions or concerns. If a patient requires readmission or further care after completing the program, the NGH@Home team will ensure the right community supports are in place.

Funded by the Government of Ontario, NGH expects many patients to benefit from the program each year.

NGH@Home supports the hospital’s mission to deliver high-quality, integrated, and innovative care, together with our partners. By working closely with community partners, NGH is helping patients recover safely at home, improving access to care, and strengthening health services for everyone in Norfolk County.

Bayshore Integrated Care Solutions is a Canadian-owned company and one of the country’s leading home and community healthcare service providers. The company aims to enhance the quality of life, well-being, dignity and independence of Canadians of all ages. With locations across the country, including 80+ home care offices, 11 pharmacies and 100+ community care clinics, Bayshore has more than 19,000 staff members and provides care to over 350,000 clients annually. Bayshore has been a recipient of Canada’s Best Managed Companies award since 2006. https://www.bayshore.ca/