A new unit has opened at Royal Bolton Hospital to free up bed space for those being admitted from the accident and emergency department.

The discharge unit is designed to provide care for patients as they wait to return to home, while at the same time free up beds to ease pressure on A&E.

The facility, located in D block off the main hospital corridor, aims to reduce delays for people leaving hospital and free up much-needed bed space ready for patients being admitted from the Emergency Department.

A team of highly skilled nurses will continue to provide care in the unit as people prepare to leave hospital, with patients having access to hot and cold meals.

The Discharge Unit is kitted out with 18 chairs, including reclining chairs, and six bed spaces for those who require additional comfort.

The unit is one of a number of measures put in place to improve patient experience in the hospital.

Rae Wheatcroft, Chief Operating Officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Our new Discharge Unit will provide a comfortable and relaxed environment for people as they wait to get their medications and transport home before leaving hospital.

“As we prepare to go into another busy winter, this unit will also help us to ensure beds become available more quickly, which will ease pressure on our Emergency Department and make sure patients who urgently need care are seen even quicker.

In the coming weeks, a new ‘Flow Command Centre’ will move in to the unit to support wards and services with discharge planning and to enhance collaboration between teams.

For relatives coming to collect their loved one from hospital, the nearest car park to the Discharge Unit is Chadwick car park.

A full map of the hospital is available on Bolton NHS Foundation Trust’s website.