The MUMN said today that a project for early discharge of hospital patients thanks to more efficient follow-up community care, has been given the green light by the EU.
The union had proposed the project to the government after discussing it with EU Health Commissioner John Dalli.
"After several meeting in Brussels in the beginning of this year, MUMN proposed to the Health Ministry a project which needed funded from the European and Structural Cohesion Funds (ESF). Such a project can provide the necessary training and expertise to the nurses and other health professionals so that the community (primary health) services can develop as to be able to address the various bed shortages i state hospitals," the MUMN said.
In Europe such projects are being spearheaded by Commissioner John Dalli, with whom the union held talks.
The general objectives of the project are:
- Implementation of integrated care systems promoting continuity of care based on proactive, personalised and community/home-based care.
- Improving the health status and quality of life of the population of the regions targeted.
- Supporting the long-term sustainability and efficiency of the healthcare system in the regions targeted.
Specific objectives:
- Proactive management of individual's identified risk factors thus preventing deterioration.
- Reduction of unavoidable hospitalisations;
- Reduction of unplanned admissions and shorter lengths of stay;
- Reduction of hospital admissions for chronic conditions;
- Multi-morbidity case management (involving new models of care for a range of chronic conditions, including protocols and individualised care plans.
- Increased number of implemented programs for multiple chronic disease management;
- Development of guidelines, protocols, education and training programmes for health professionals on the management of chronic conditions and reorganizational pathways for integrated care.
This project, the MUMN said, is essential especially to Mater Dei hospital since the project is not only aimed to reduce the financial expenses within the Health Sector (which is the actual aim of the project) but could save patients from remaining on stretchers in various holding bays in MDH by making better use of the available beds.
The project ensures the continuity of care to the chronic patients that have been discharged from hospital to their homes. Early hospital discharge can therefore take place since the discharge patient will find all the care needed in his own home settings. Support services within the community will provide a holistic service for elderly care, palliative care, mental health and neurological rehabilitation.
The EU is ready to fund Malta €1.2 million for such a project.