The 25-bed critical access hospital launched the Mobile Integrated Healthcare program in 2020 to serve patients in Peterborough and the eastern Monadnock region, according to a release from the American Hospital Association. The mobile team comprises community paramedics, a project manager, dispatcher and medical director. The paramedics offer healthcare services in patients’ homes, including collecting laboratory specimens, placing Foley catheters, wound care, evaluating home safety, providing health education, administering immunizations and medications, and managing medical equipment needed for chronic health issues. The team also helps facilitate a patient’s telehealth visit with primary care physicians and obtain vital signs, lab samples and other information that a standard telehealth visit doesn’t provide.
Patients have rated the program highly for quality of care, promptness, ease of scheduling, and provider compassion and respect.
The program is not a replacement for home healthcare, emergency care, or other services, but it ensures care is not duplicated and prevents gaps in service.
In 2025, the hospital will expand the program with Cradle Monadnock, a new service for patients giving birth at the hospital. It provides pre- and post-delivery home visits to evaluate the health of the mother and newborn, connect families to resources and offer practical advice and health education.
