Partnering with Bayshore Integrated Care Solutions to provide care for patients with complex health needs when discharged from the hospital
GUELPH, ON – February 28, 2025 – Guelph General Hospital (GGH) announced the introduction of the GGH@Home program in partnership with Bayshore Integrated Care Solutions (BICS) to provide in-home care for patients over the age of 18 with complex health needs after discharge from the hospital. This service will ensure a smooth transition for patients going home after a hospital stay and free up bed space for those who need it most.
“This program promotes timely access to care, service, and supports for patients, especially seniors, and their families in the most appropriate setting; ensuring safe return to home from the hospital as soon as possible and preventing re-admission. At the same time, it helps keep hospital beds in use for those who most need them,” said Andrea Lucas, Vice President, Patient Service and Chief Nursing Executive of GGH.
GGH has partnered with BICS, one of Canada’s larges providers of community health care services, to provide home care services when these patients are discharged from the hospital. “We are thrilled to work with GGH to care for members of the Guelph-Wellington community, where we are launching this new Hospital to Home program. BICS has been operating Hospital to Home programs for eight years and currently with 31 programs across Ontario,” said Danielle Holler, Regional Manager of BICS.
Prior to introducing GGH@Home, it was not uncommon for some patients with complex health needs to wait in the hospital for several days while home services were being arranged. This program will help reduce that unnecessary wait for patients and will work in conjunction with current OntarioHealth@Home services and programs.
“Each patient who becomes part of the GGH@Home program will meet with their BICS contact along with the hospital team, and family to create a care plan. The first home visit will be scheduled before the patient leaves the hospital, and follow-up will continue at regular intervals for 16 weeks by BICS staff,” explained, Jennifer Murphy-Novak, Senior Director, Patient Services at GGH.
GGH received funding from the Ontario government to operate the GGH@Home program, and expects up to 174 patients to benefit from it annually.
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Guelph General Hospital is a dynamic, comprehensive acute care facility providing a full range of services to the residents of Guelph and Wellington County. Services include 24-hour emergency coverage, advanced technology and diagnostic support, and specialty programs. GGH is a regional provider of general vascular surgery and a designated provincial Bariatric Centre of Excellence. GGH is also a proud partner in the Guelph Wellington Ontario Health Team. Visit us online at www.gghorg.ca or @guelphgeneral.
Bayshore Integrated Care Solutions is a Canadian-owned company and one of the country’s leading home and community healthcare service providers. The company aims to enhance the quality of life, well-being, dignity and independence of Canadians of all ages. With locations across the country, including 80+ home care offices, 11 pharmacies and 100+ community care clinics, Bayshore has more than 19,000 staff members and provides care to over 350,000 clients annually. Bayshore has been a recipient of Canada’s Best Managed Companies award since 2006.
Photo caption: Liana Walmsley, GGH@Home Patient Navigator.
Media contacts:
Carla Kostiak, Manager of Strategic Communications, Guelph General Hospital | Tel: 519 546 3048 | Email: [email protected]
Michelle Ramos, Team Lead, National Communications & Public Relations, Bayshore Integrated Care Solutions | Tel: 905 867 7055 | Email: [email protected]
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