Southern NSW communities are set to see more patients treated at home through an expansion of the Hospital in the Home program, part of a broader push by the Minns Labor Government to ease pressure on emergency departments while improving access to care.
From December 2025, the program will reach the Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, Goulburn and Queanbeyan regions. The idea is straightforward. Instead of being admitted or kept in hospital for conditions that can be safely managed elsewhere, eligible patients can receive hospital-level treatment at home under clinical supervision.
The model already operates in parts of the state, and health officials say the next stage will be strengthened by wearable monitoring technology that tracks vital signs in real time. Clinicians will be able to watch changes in breathing rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels and heart rate, allowing earlier intervention if someone’s condition begins to shift.
Future phases will extend the program to the Snowy Monaro and Yass Valley areas.
A dedicated medical officer and nurse practitioners will oversee care for paediatric, palliative and aged care patients, covering conditions such as cellulitis, pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis and urinary tract infections. According to health leaders in the district, the intention is to make care flexible, safe and locally responsive without compromising clinical oversight.
The policy sits within a wider focus on relieving pressure in emergency departments. Recent funding commitments include new virtual care services expected to help thousands of people avoid an ED visit, extra support for urgent care centres, an expansion of ED short stay units and investment in digital tools that guide paramedics toward hospitals with better capacity. There is also ongoing work to improve discharge planning and broaden the role of GPs and pharmacists in managing certain conditions.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said the expanded program reflects a push towards modern, patient-centred care, giving people timely treatment while reducing avoidable admissions. He pointed to the pairing of clinical teams with upgraded monitoring tools as a way to support safer and more flexible models of care.
Dr Michael Holland, Member for Bega and Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Regional Health, described the announcement as a boost for regional communities. Having worked in the area for many years, he highlighted how home-based treatment can be more comfortable for patients who would otherwise face long travel or extended hospital stays.
Senior leaders within the Southern NSW Local Health District echoed that view. Chief Executive Margaret Bennett said real-time data helps clinicians act sooner and keep hospital beds free for those with acute needs. Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Summa Stephens, added that patients generally recover better at home, and the expanded model has been planned over the past two years to ensure it suits the district’s geography and needs.
Community members who want to know whether the service is appropriate for them are encouraged to speak with their GP or treating clinician, who can assess eligibility and coordinate referrals.
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