EDITH celebrates 5 years of pioneering Emergency Care in the home

4th March 2025

St. Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH) marks a major milestone in healthcare innovation this year as the Emergency Department in The Home (EDITH) celebrates its 5th anniversary. Since its launch in February 2020, EDITH has become a cornerstone of the healthcare system in the SVUH catchment area, providing emergency care to vulnerable adults aged 65 and over who are living with frailty, all within the comfort of their own surroundings.

EDITH is a collaborative initiative between St. Vincent’s University Hospital, the National Ambulance Service, St. Colmcille’s and St. Michael’s Hospitals. The service offers a comprehensive, at-home medical assessment that includes mobile x-rays, ECGs, blood tests and point-of-care ultrasound, providing patients with the same high-quality care they would typically receive in the hospital.

“EDITH embodies the philosophy of delivering the right care to the right patient in the right place, in line with Sláintecare,” said Rosa McNamara, Consultant in Emergency Medicine at SVUH. “For many of our patients, this means receiving care in the safety of their homes, avoiding the stress of traditional emergency department visits. We are grateful to our colleagues in the HSE Operational Performance and Integration division who supported this vital initiative to improve patient safety and enhance the care journey for older people.”

Growth and milestones
Initially, EDITH operated as a weekend-only falls service in Wicklow. However, due to COVID19, it quickly evolved into a 7-day-a-week service in 2020 covering the entire CHO 6 area, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since its expansion, EDITH has completed over 11,000 patient reviews in the community. With an impressive hospital conveyance rate of under 10%, EDITH’s success lies in preventing unnecessary hospital visits, alleviating pressure on emergency services, and reducing strain on the hospital’s resources.

“By offering emergency care in the home, EDITH addresses a critical gap in healthcare, especially for those with mobility issues or chronic conditions,” said Nigel Salter, Clinical Lead of the Emergency Department at SVUH. “We help patients maintain their independence, receive timely expert care in a familiar environment and reduce the need for hospital visits.”

Partnerships that support patient care
EDITH has built a robust network of partnerships with the Integrated Care Programme for Older People (ICPOP), St. Colmcille’s Hospital, Royal Hospital Donnybrook and over 80 nursing homes across the SVUH catchment area. These collaborations ensure that patients receive coordinated, comprehensive care that supports their health needs at home while freeing up hospital resources and bed days.

“Through these partnerships, we’re able to redistribute hospital resources and release valuable bed days back into the SVUH healthcare system,” explained Rosa McNamara. “This holistic approach to emergency care connects patients with available healthcare resources in the community, ensuring comprehensive support.”

A unique approach to Emergency Care
EDITH’s at-home service includes a full medical assessment by a senior decision-maker, such as a doctor or advanced nurse practitioner, as well as an occupational therapy assessment. Mobile diagnostics and immediate decision-making ensure that most patients can receive care at home without needing to visit the hospital. The service operates seven days a week from 8am to 6pm, and referrals are accepted from GPs, nursing homes, community healthcare professionals, the National Ambulance Service and the hospital’s Emergency Department team. Conditions covered include falls, delirium, infections, wound reviews, pain management, functional decline, and more.

“EDITH has allowed us to create a new avenue for emergency care that provides patients with the comfort and security of their own homes,” said Nigel Salter. “The convenience and personalised attention that EDITH offers help reduce the stress and disruption that often come with hospital visits, contributing to a more positive and holistic patient experience.”

Vision for the future
Looking ahead, EDITH is focused on further expanding its services. The team plans to operate a 24/7 service, with a dedicated contact point for residential care facilities to ensure continuous support for vulnerable patients.

“As we mark this 5th anniversary, we’re excited to continue our work in expanding services to meet the growing needs of our community,” concluded Nigel Salter. “EDITH has always been about improving patient outcomes and reducing the strain on emergency departments, and we look forward to continuing our journey to further enhance care for all.”

For further information or to arrange an interview with our EDITH team, please contact:
Jennie Cotter | Corporate Communications Manager, SVUH
Phone: 086 776 1890