NYC Gazette

When Emil Pross, an 87-year-old resident of Bethpage, was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island's Emergency Department, he was given the option to receive treatment through the Home Hospital Program. This initiative allowed him to be treated at home while being remotely monitored.

Pross expressed satisfaction with his care, stating, “I had terrific care with a private nurse who checked on me twice a day and knew that a doctor was just a phone call away.” He received IV infusions three times daily and had constant monitoring of his vital signs. After one week of home-based care, Pross became the program’s 1,000th patient.

The Home Hospital Program began in 2022 and has successfully treated patients aged 21 to 102 without any cases of hospital-acquired infections or delirium. Dr. Joseph J. Greco highlighted the program's benefits: “This is a truly empowering program... It gives patients in our local communities who qualify the option of recovering at home while helping to keep beds available for patients with more acute conditions that require hospitalization.”

Jonathan Kelly, DO, medical director of the program, noted that home recovery could be less stressful than hospital stays due to uninterrupted rest. The program also offers house calls if necessary.

Annmarie Short, RN, nurse manager of the program stated they were excited about reaching this milestone and described Pross as an ideal candidate for home treatment based on his diagnosis.