A SCHEME was being launched today to treat more children at home rather than in hospital.
The government now recognises children are best treated at home by health professionals rather than in a hospital environment.
In response to new guidance, bosses from Southport and Ormskirk hospitals have launched a scheme to allow children to be discharged quicker but under the supervision of medical staff.
Hospital at Home sees youngsters given visits from medical staff during the first 48 to 72 hours.
Shirley Coward, children's ward manager, says the scheme has immense benefits.
She said: "Children can go home more quickly. It can actually prevent unnecessary hospital admissions, it reduces the length of stay in hospitals and also allows children to be treated in the comfort of their own home."
Children are only allowed home for treatment if the nurse, doctors and parents agree.
They are still under the consultant's care and can be brought back to hospital if necessary.
At the moment only children with certain illnesses such as viral illnesses will be offered the scheme.
The Crank Womens Institute, based near to Rainford, has just donated a Pulse Oximeter to the service, which will allow nurses to measure children's heart rate and oxygen levels.
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