Orlando Health Hospital Care at Home has made history as the first program in the nation to receive the prestigious Silver Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, recognizing its groundbreaking approach to delivering acute hospital-level care directly in patients’ homes.
The program, which has served more than 2,000 patients in Central Florida since its launch in February 2023, is available to Orlando Health patients who meet specific clinical criteria determined by emergency department and hospital staff. It is available through Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center, Orlando Health Lake Mary Hospital, Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, Orlando Health Emergency Room – Osceola, Orlando Health Emergency Room – Randal Park, Orlando Health Emergency Room – South Seminole, Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital and Orlando Health South Lake Hospital.
Orlando Health is among 186 hospitals in the United States that were recognized with Beacon Awards. Recipients demonstrate effective systems for optimal patient care and positive, safe work environments.
“We are grateful to be the first hospital at home program recognized with the Silver Beacon Award for Excellence, which acknowledges the dedication of our nursing team and our patients’ trust in this advanced healthcare model,” said Linda Fitzpatrick, assistant vice president, Orlando Health Hospital Care at Home.
The Orlando Health program was the first in Central Florida to be approved for Medicare and Medicaid patients and now accepts participating private insurances.
“It’s an honor to be recognized for our innovative healthcare service line that enables patients to safely receive personalized hospital-level medical care in the comfort of their homes,” said Siddharaj G. Shah, MD, medical and quality director, Orlando Health Hospital Care at Home.
To be eligible, a patient’s home must be a safe environment located within the determined geographical catchment area in case emergency care is required.
“This award honors the commitment of our nurses, who provide the same level of high-quality, compassionate care in a patient’s home that they do in a hospital,” said Wendy Cooper, NE-BC, administrative director, nursing operations, Orlando Health Hospital Care at Home.
Medical conditions that can be cared for safely in the home-based program include, but are not limited to: cellulitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, urinary tract infection, heart failure, COVID-19, pneumonia, gastroenteritis, acute pancreatitis, multiple sclerosis flare-ups, sepsis and pyelonephritis.
Portable technology connects patients to the Orlando Health Patient Care Hub for 24/7 remote monitoring and virtual care by nurses and providers.
Patients receive daily in-person care from nursing team members, along with virtual provider and consultant visits. Mobile imaging, labs, dietary services and therapy are provided as ordered.
To learn more about the Orlando Health Hospital Care at Home program, visit orlandohealth.com/
