At its inception in 2011 the @home community intravenous (IV) service used available staff resources to deliver IV antibiotics to patients in the community. The service model included two advanced nurse practitioners as clinical leads alongside the core district nursing services. Policies, guidelines and care bundles underpinned safe practice, and roles were developed and expanded to meet new challenges.

Limitations were identified and significant lessons learned. Service developments benefited patients by allowing them to receive treatment at home. Audit and review has improved service delivery and prevented complications that can hinder patients’ progress.

Collaborative working across care boundaries has allowed resources to be used more efficiently. Relationships with secondary care colleagues have been established, and growing confidence in the service is evident by the increasing number of referrals. Over three years, 4,375 bed days in secondary care were made available for more acutely ill patients.