Oxford health expert calls for more at-home treatments to save patients money
New research shows people are worried about 'hidden costs' of hospital visits
A leading healthcare figure from Oxfordshire is calling for more NHS treatments to be delivered at home, as new data reveals the financial strain hospital visits are placing on patients.
Sir Jonathan Asbridge, Chief Clinical Officer at home healthcare provider Sciensus, and former president of the UK’s Nursing and Midwifery Council, says expanding home-based care could ease pressure on the NHS while saving patients both time and money.
He highlighted new research by Sciensus, which found that in Oxford:
- Three in five people say travel and parking are the most concerning hidden costs of hospital visits
- Around one in four say they would need to take unpaid leave to manage a serious condition
- Two in three say they would be more likely to stay in work or education if treatment could be delivered at home
Asbridge said these costs and disruptions can mount quickly, particularly for patients needing regular appointments.
“For some people, treatment means going to hospital once or twice a week for hours at a time,” he explained.
Sciensus currently treats around 240,000 patients across the UK, including approximately 1,600 cancer patients each week.
It also provides therapies for long-term conditions such as Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic illnesses.
Specialist nurses visit patients at home, administer medication, and monitor their condition – often supported by digital tools and 24-hour support lines.
Asbridge says this approach aligns with national healthcare goals.
“The NHS is developing its 10-year plan, which is about moving things closer to the patient - away from the big hospitals to more local services and in homes,” he said.
He added that home-based care can also help reach people who may not otherwise access treatment: "With some of the more deprived areas, we have patients who may not be able to afford to go to the hospital or are too scared to go."
Digital tools are playing an increasing role too, with apps, remote monitoring and clinicians even beginning to use AI tools to track patient health and improve communication.
"If you look at the technology and the attachments available - like for blood pressure and you could take your temperature by putting the phone to your ear - you don't need to be in front of a nurse or a doctor to do these things," he said.
With the NHS developing its long-term strategy, Asbridge hopes at-home care will play a bigger role in the sector.
"We want to remind planners and commissioners what we do to help them integrate it into the system because all of this is very possible."