A new state-of-the-art Discharge Suite has opened today at Warrington Hospital, designed to provide a comfortable, supported environment for patients to commence their onward journey home or to their next care setting.

Created adjacent to the new Frailty Assessment Unit and with easy access for vehicle pick-ups, the Discharge Suite has been created as a result of Board approving an £200K investment.

As soon as patients are identified as being able to be discharged they are booked into the suite and, if mobile, are able to enjoy the seated area with all the trimmings including Wifi, TV, hot and cold drinks, sandwiches; books magazines and games.  There they can await transport, collection by family/carers or friends and their take-home medications. 

The Suite has a dedicated clinical team and is equipped with thirteen comfortable chairs, six recliners and seven high backs. There are four bed/trolley bays for patients whose acute care is complete but may require further supported care in intermediate care or the community.  The Suite is open 7-days per week from 8am-9pm weekdays and 10am-7pm at weekends.

Chris Evans, Chief Operating Officer said: “We are delighted to open this new facility at Warrington which has been designed around our patients, providing a more comfortable and supportive environment to begin their onward journey. 

At the same time this will release much-needed beds earlier in the day enabling us to admit patients presenting through our emergency department in a more timely way and therefore ease pressure on our very busy emergency care team, particularly as we approach what promises to be another challenging winter.

Information for patients and their carers/relatives and friends is available on our website at https://whh.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-and-visitor-guides/discharge