WHGH launches hospital-level care at home for recovering patients
(Hagersville, ON) – West Haldimand General Hospital (WHGH) is introducing a new model of care to the community that allows eligible patients to recover at home with hospital-level support. The WHGH@Home program is the first of its kind at the hospital and expands how care is delivered beyond its walls.
In partnership with Bayshore Integrated Care Solutions, WHGH@Home provides short-term medical care in a patient’s home after they are discharged from hospital. The program supports recovery for up to eight or 16 weeks, depending on each patient’s needs, with coordinated care from physicians, nurses, and community partners.
This program addresses a common challenge for patients and families. Some patients are ready to leave the hospital but must remain admitted while waiting for home supports to be arranged. Others return to the Emergency Department because they do not feel fully supported during recovery. WHGH@Home closes this gap by ensuring patients receive care, monitoring, and follow up support as soon as they return home.
Patients in the program receive remote monitoring, virtual check-ins, and direct access to a 24-hour phone line for questions or concerns. Care plans are tailored to each person. This allows patients to recover safely in familiar surroundings while staying closely connected to their care team.
Research across Ontario and Canada shows that hospital-at-home programs reduce readmissions, improve recovery for seniors and medically complex patients, and increase patient satisfaction. These programs also help reduce pressure on Emergency Departments and free up hospital beds for patients who require urgent or complex care.
“WHGH@Home reflects our commitment to caring for people in the way that best meets their needs,” said Alpha Kappen, Director of the Inpatient Unit, Physiotherapy and Clinical Educator at WHGH. “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.”
The program works alongside Ontario Health at Home to ensure smooth transitions for patients when longer term community care is required. Patients will not receive care from both programs at the same time. If additional support is needed after WHGH@Home is complete, the team ensures the right services are in place.
“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 WHGH. “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.”
Bayshore Integrated Care Solutions brings extensive experience in home and community care to the partnership.
“Bayshore is proud to partner with West Haldimand General Hospital to deliver coordinated care that supports patients beyond their hospital stay,” said Brittany Couto, Area Director with Bayshore Integrated Care Solutions. “Programs like WHGH@Home improve continuity of care and help patients recover safely and comfortably in their own homes.”
WHGH expects many patients to benefit from the program each year. As the program grows, the hospital will continue to evaluate outcomes and explore opportunities to expand the model to support more patients in the community.
Funded by the Government of Ontario, WHGH@Home supports the hospital’s mission to deliver high quality, integrated, and innovative care together with its partners. By extending care into the home, WHGH is improving access, strengthening patient flow, and enhancing recovery for people across Haldimand County.
Media Contact
Aaron Gautreau
Director of Communications & Public Relations
West Haldimand General Hospital
519-426-0130 ext. 2454
