Membership

Gideon began his work in home-based care by developing a post-acute respiratory outreach service at Prince of Wales Hospital, NSW, later extending this into acute care. He is now at the forefront of research into supporting older people with delirium at home. As the founding President of the HITH Society of Australasia (2006–2012), Gideon provided steady leadership and generous informal mentorship, always encouraging contributions of every size to the HITH movement. He was instrumental in commissioning the 2011 Deloitte Access Economics analysis of Hospital in the Home, and his extensive research program – from RCTs through to the most recent meta-analysis of HITH – has shaped funding, service design and models of care nationally. His work has improved patient flow, supported NEAT targets, and strengthened the evidence base for hospital-level care at home. Gideon’s enthusiasm for research has inspired many through his conference workshops, reassuring the hesitant as readily as he energised committed researchers. Associate Professor Gideon Caplan has been an unfailing advocate, leader and mentor, championing innovation, documenting the evolution of HITH and aged care, and now advancing delirium care. From a HITH Society perspective, we will remember Gideon for his leadership, tireless energy, and gentle, considered manner. We will miss his smiling presence and “can-do” attitude, and we wish him every success as he continues his work with the Delirium Society and ongoing research in this field.

Associate Professor Michael Montalto is one of Australia’s leading figures in the development of HITH. For more than three decades he has combined policy work, research and hands-on clinical leadership to expand the role of acute hospital care delivered safely at home. Michael currently leads the Hospital in the Home unit at Epworth Healthcare in Victoria and has previously directed major HITH programs at Royal Melbourne Hospital and Frankston/Mornington Peninsula. He developed and implemented a medical model of HITH across these services, created Australia’s first HITH registrar positions, and has been directly involved in the clinical management of approximately 20,000 HITH admissions. His academic contribution continues to shape the field. He completed a PhD on quality measurement in HITH, has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, and wrote Hospital in the Home: Principles and Practice. He has served on key government advisory and evaluation committees, is a founding Scientific Co-Convener of the World Hospital at Home Congress, and remains an executive advisor to the HITH Society of Australasia. Michael is known not only for his expertise, but also for his willingness to question assumptions, engage skeptics and build momentum for change. He continues to advocate for innovation, stronger research, and wider adoption of HITH models across specialties, always with a focus on improving the experience and outcomes of patients who need hospital-level care.

The Lifetime Membership award is also given in memory of Dr Nicholas (Nick) Collins, a great educator, general practitioner, innovator, and advocate for Hospital in the Home (HITH), as well as a strong supporter of patients and students from less fortunate backgrounds. He was passionate about access to high-quality education and training. Nick held several esteemed positions, including serving as President of the Hospital in the Home Society Australasia and as a lecturer at the University of Western Sydney. He was an integral member of the Australian general practice and HITH community, as well as the broader general practice education and training sector. Nick sadly passed away from a heart attack in August 2014. In memory of his dedication and commitment to HITH, medical students, and GP training, the HITH Society, in collaboration with industry leader Baxter Healthcare, originally established the Doctor Nicholas Collins Fellowship. This initiative was designed to support individuals undertaking research, policy development, or significant projects that benefit the HITH community. This prestigious recognition has since been transformed into a Lifetime Membership award, ensuring that Dr. Collins’ legacy continues to inspire and support those who share his passion for HITH and healthcare education.