In the past, when you needed chemotherapy or intravenous treatments such as antibiotics or hydration, you needed to be admitted to hospital.

These days, it’s possible to have such treatments in the comfort of your home, with nursing or other clinical supports.

Public hospital-in-the-home and other hospital-substitute programs are burgeoning in the public sector, including in Victoria, WA and NSW. These programs now provide the equivalent of hundreds of hospital beds.

Having treatment at home is more convenient for patients, reduces the demand on hospitals, and cuts costs for the health system.