Queensway Carleton Hospital teaming with local paramedics to support more people at home

Queensway Carleton Hospital (QCH) and the Ottawa Paramedic Service are launching a pilot program that refers eligible patients for post-discharge care at home.
 
The Community Paramedic Long-Term Care (CPLTC) Program is looking to provide services to individuals waiting for placement in long-term care homes, allowing patients to access medical treatment and preventative care in their own homes.
 
“Their support after hours is huge for peace of mind for caregivers. The paramedics will come and meet the patient before going home, if needed. They also attend our joint discharge rounds, weekly, to help identify patients who are qualified for this program,” says Lianne Learmonth, Clinical Director of Medicine at QCH. “By supporting patients at home, we will reduce readmission and promote earlier discharge at hospitals, while freeing up beds for those in need of our care.”
 
The CPLTC Program is expected to reduce avoidable Emergency Department visits and hospital stays through preventative and responsive care provided by paramedics, while supporting an increased quality of life for those with chronic illnesses.
 
“Paramedics are excited to work with staff at the Queensway Carleton Hospital,” indicates Paramedic Commander Shannon Leduc, lead of the Community Paramedic program with the Ottawa Paramedic Service. “We believe we can collectively improve the safety and care of patients transitioning home.”
 
The hospital says the program also aims to minimize wait list growth at long-term care homes by providing alternative options with at-home care, keeping individuals stabilized in their illness trajectory and in their own homes for as long as possible.
 
The CPLTC program is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health until the end of the 2024 fiscal year.