A hospital has inaugurated a new unit designed to house patients awaiting discharge, according to a statement from a trust. This modular facility, capable of accommodating up to 15 individuals, is situated within Peterborough City Hospital, specifically between the oncology ward and the ambulatory unit. North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (NWAFT), the organization responsible for operating the hospital, indicated that this initiative forms part of a broader redevelopment strategy aimed at enhancing patient experience and assisting the trust’s hospitals in preparing for the anticipated high demand during the winter period. Sheila Roberts, the trust’s senior operations adviser, commented that this development would contribute to “free up beds for our sickest patients”. During July 2022, the trust ranked last in the national league table concerning patients experiencing waits exceeding four hours in A&E departments. Furthermore, it was among the lowest ten trusts for instances where patients had to remain in an ambulance due to a lack of available space in A&E for their transfer. Earlier in the current year, the trust inaugurated a new C16 ward, a facility comprising 20 beds, intended to alleviate strain on patient capacity. Prior to this, regional hospital trusts had encouraged the families and friends of patients to be prepared for morning discharges, in anticipation of the approaching winter season. Ms Roberts stated: “The new facility is larger than the existing discharge lounge and will be a comfortable area that will have both trolley and seating space for patients who are waiting to go home.” “Moving patients who are well enough to the discharge to the lounge frees up beds for our sickest patients and helps us manage the demand on our services across the trust.” The newly established discharge lounge is clearly signposted within the hospital premises and offers car park access for individuals arriving to collect patients following a hospital stay. Post navigation Turkish Cosmetic Surgery Leaves Woman Feeling ‘Worse Than Before’ Former MP Advocates for Assisted Dying Following Mother’s Experience