A spacious new discharge lounge at King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton, aims to speed-up the process of discharging patients, as well as allowing people quicker access to hospital beds.

Volunteers based in the lounge, which is to be used 24/7, will be able to provide patients with food and drink.

Chief executive of Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust Paul Robinson said: “These improvements and the greater capacity will significantly increase the percentage of patients who can transfer to the lounge rather than waiting in much-needed beds until they are ready to be discharged.”

The lounge has increased capacity for 19 beds and a variety of chair spaces — initially 22. It will allow many more patients the opportunity to transfer to the dedicated lounge where specialist trained staff will help them to adjust to being at home again.

Denise Wharmby, deputy director for Urgent and Emergency Care, and matron of the lounge added: “Waiting in the more relaxed and friendly environment of the discharge lounge also gives our specialist staff the opportunity to help prepare patients to readjust as they prepare for life out of hospital.”