Patients leave care in comfort thanks to government funded renovations at Dewsbury and District Hospital | News

Pictured above: Julie Horan, Registered General Nurse, Deborah Crowther, Healthcare Assistant and Kim Gollings, Ward Manager.

The discharge lounge at Dewsbury and District Hospital has recently undergone a transformation to provide comfort to patients leaving hospital care.

Funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, a donation of £35,000 was given to Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, to create a specific space for patients being discharged home.

In a bid to help cut down urgent and emergency care waiting times for tens of thousands of patients, Dewsbury and District Hospital is one of forty-two new and upgraded discharge lounges across the country. 

Using the funding wisely, Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust has created a calm space to mitigate stress, for patients with a planned discharge. The lounge is used to process discharge paperwork, await medication, receive refreshments, and plan transport to the place they reside.

Focusing on the patient’s wellbeing, the room has been brightly painted, with roof tiles added to create an airy feel. Appropriate and comfortable seating has been fitted, alongside a call bell system for patients. Entertainment has also been included in the form of televisions and radios for those who are waiting.

Lyndsey Scaife, Head of Discharge, said:

“The discharge lounge is part of the patient’s pathway as they leave hospital care. Therefore, we felt this space needed some attention. The space has now been transformed, and the renovations have brought serenity to patients. We've provided a change in environment and a place to process the arrangements needed for their continued recovery.”

One patient who experienced the new lounge, commented:

“Whilst visiting, I didn't have to ask for anything. Staff were prepared for my arrival; they help sort my return home. I had no wait, and nothing was a bother for staff.”

Improving the experience for all, friends and family members can also benefit from the refurbishment. The new lounge is being used as a collection point. Having a set space has prevented any confusion or stress, replacing the process of collecting loved ones from hospital wards.

Len Richards, Chief Executive Officer at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust commented:

“We are honoured to be one of the forty-two hospitals, across the country, to receive this funding. The monies provided have allowed us to create a dedicated area, which can be used to help free up spaces in hospital beds for patients who no longer need to complete their care journey in our wards. The lounge allows patients to be able to wait in a comfortable environment, where they can be looked after and supported in the next steps of their discharge.”