Outpatient Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT)

This service will provide community based intravenous antibiotic therapy, and will aim to facilitate early discharge of patients from hospital and in some cases prevent admission.

• Patients must have a definitive diagnosis
• Patient must be medically stable, and no longer require inpatient care
• Intended medication/treatment suitable for OPAT
• Documented request for OPAT input, from referring Consultant

Patients will be assessed for suitability for OPAT,  by the OPAT nurse and Consultant

OPAT patients will have shared care from the OPAT Consultant and the referring Consultant or GP

Options for OPAT delivery will include:

• Self Administration
• Administration by the community nurses
• Administration at community hospitals
• Administration within the OPAT department in Raigmore hospital

Patients will reviewed and monitored by the OPAT Team on a regular basis. 

For the OPAT referral form see: OPAT (NHS Highland intranet access required).