A new home service for people with heart failure in Bath and North East Somerset has been shortlisted for a national health award.
The new service means people with the condition no longer have to spend long periods in hospital, but can be treated instead by nurses in their own homes.
The number of people with heart failure being treated at the RUH has gone down by more than 24 per cent since the service was introduced – saving the NHS £100,000 a year and freeing up beds.
The service, run by Bath and North East Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (B&NES CCG) the Royal United Hospital and Sirona Care & Health, has been shortlisted for the award by the 2014 Health Service Journal.
Specially trained nurses visit patients at home, transforming their quality of life.
Sufferers are given a passport, which contains key information about their condition, including drug prescriptions, making it possible for them to be treated at home.
Patient Robert Gowdy was spending more than 70 days a year in hospital before the new service started.
He said: "You can build a relationship with the nurses who come to the house, and they get to know your illness.
"It is far better than going to hospital. Now I have a bit more independence."
Local GP and medical director at B&NES CCG, Dr Ruth Grabham, said: "We are always looking at new ways to improve health care for local people, and it is great to have national recognition for the work we are doing."
Consultant cardiologist at the RUH Jacob Easaw said: "We are delighted we have been shortlisted for this prestigious award.
"It will open doors to help us further improve this service for patient care."
The awards, which aim to improve health care in the UK, had over 1,300 entries from around the country.
The results will be announced in London on November 19.
