Violet Chikomba – Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Home Treatment Service, Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust

When a 94-year-old woman fell seriously ill at home in Kent, her family called 999 expecting an ambulance to take her to hospital. Instead, they got something different, and for this patient, something far better.

Rather than facing a lengthy wait in an emergency department, the patient was referred to the Hospital at Home Frailty Team at Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust. Advanced Clinical Practitioner Violet Chikomba arrived at her door, assessed her condition, and began treatment for acute kidney injury, dehydration, and a chest infection, administering IV fluids and antibiotics in the comfort of her own home. By the following day, she was already improving.

“The family were really impressed,” says Violet. “If she had gone to hospital, she might have had to wait several hours to be seen and could have deteriorated further. We were able to respond quickly and provide the care she needed in the right place.”

Violet is part of a growing team of clinicians delivering hospital-level care in the community, supporting frail and older patients to avoid unnecessary admissions and helping those recently discharged to recover safely at home. It is responsive, skilled, and deeply personal care.

“It is so much better for people to be treated at home,” she says. “Going to hospital can be stressful and cause anxiety, whereas at home people are more comfortable and recover quicker. We can also talk with patients and families about ongoing care, and  where appropriate, discuss end of life plans and what patients would and would not want.”

For Violet, this work is about far more than clinical outcomes. “Helping people stay in their own homes gives me real satisfaction,” she says. “I am very proud of the work I do.”