A former Mansfield Woodhouse care home-turned-hospital ward has been so successful in providing a solution to patient discharge pressures that it will remain — and transfer to a permanent home at Mansfield Community Hospital.

Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust opened the Sherwood Community Unit in May 2022.

It has provided transitional care for patients who had received treatment in the trust’s King’s Mill, Mansfield Community, and Newark hospitals, but who were waiting for care packages with care homes and community teams to be arranged.

In the past year the unit has cared for nearly 800 patients and as played a vital part in freeing-up hospital beds for those who need them most.

The unit won an award at the trust’s annual Excellence Awards in recognition of its hard-working team going above and beyond.

Phil Bolton, chief nurse at the trust, said: “The Sherwood Community Unit has had a positive impact in alleviating winter pressures and keeping essential NHS services running. I am grateful to the team of staff, volunteers, and community workers who made this possible.

“By relocating the unit into Mansfield Community Hospital, we will be able to transfer patients even more easily and efficiently, while retaining the same innovative approach to continuing to care for our patients in the best possible way.”

Clare Haywood, ward leader at the unit since its inception, will stay as it becomes known as the Chatsworth Centre at the hospital.

Ros Roddy, community hospital matron, added: “We look forward to continuing to help patients and their families as they prepare to return to the place they call home. We know this is the best possible place for people to continue their recovery.”