Healing at Home: How Quinte@Home Helped Sandy Woods Recover with Comfort and Confidence

In just two seconds, Sandy Woods’ life took an unfortunate turn. A quick dash to answer the phone in April 2024 led to her foot slipping under a rug and a tumble that ended with surgery and months of recovery. But thanks to the compassionate support of the Quinte@Home program operated by Quinte Health in partnership with the Hastings Prince Edward Ontario Health team, Sandy’s healing journey was not just possible—it was empowering and uplifting, allowing her to focus on recovery in the comfort of her home.

Following successful surgery by Dr. Birchard for her broken distal femur, Sandy faced a new challenge: she was scheduled for discharge after five days, yet wasn’t fully equipped to manage her needs at home. That’s when the hospital team introduced Sandy to the Quinte@Home program, offered in partnership with SE Health. The program ensures each patient receives the right care in the right place, reducing unnecessary hospital stays and offering a safe path to healing for patients ready to transition home. The Quinte@Home coordinator assured Sandy that she would receive comprehensive, coordinated care to support her recovery once home including home care supports and community support services, if needed, at no cost to her.

“Hearing this was a huge relief!” said Sandy.

Within a day of leaving the hospital, Sandy was welcomed by a Quinte@Home nurse, who brought supplies and a compassionate ear. Over the next 16 weeks, Sandy’s care team included her nurse Jen, and her physical therapy team Sam, KD and Seema—all organized by her Quinte@Home coordinator and the SE Health Transitions Care Lead, ensuring her needs were met seamlessly.

“Jen, my nurse, was wonderful,” Sandy shared. “Not only did she help with my wound care, but she also lifted my spirits with her hysterical humour. If she couldn’t make it to me, she’d always call to check in.”

Once her initial wounds began to heal, Sam and KD took over, guiding her through safe, structured exercises to restore her mobility. They created weekly schedules, encouraged her through each small victory, and boosted her confidence to take those first steps, making it clear that her physical and mental well-being were a priority.

By bringing care directly to her home, the Quinte@Home team spared Sandy the stress of transportation and logistics, allowing her to focus entirely on healing. This care model also enhances hospital capacity, freeing up valuable beds for patients with acute needs who require hospital-level care. Since its launch in February 2023, Quinte@Home has provided personalized bundled care for more than 300 patients, reducing readmissions and fostering collaboration between hospital teams, community support services, and community partners like Hastings-Quinte Community Paramedicine Program.

Now, as she regains her strength, Sandy takes daily walks and embraces the renewed independence that Quinte@Home helped her achieve. “Quinte@Home contributed to my mental health as much as my physical health. Being able to leave the hospital and recover in my own environment made all the difference,” she said. “If this program could be expanded everywhere, it would make a huge impact.”

“Programs like Quinte@Home reflect Quinte Health’s commitment to patient-centred care and finding new ways to support recovery through partnerships,” said Lina Rinaldi, Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive, Quinte Health. “We’re proud to be part of a solution that helps patients heal safely at home, surrounded by the support they need.”

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