New ward to free up hospital beds
A new hospital ward will free up acute beds by temporarily housing patients declared medically-fit but who cannot be sent home straight away.
It has opened at Rowley Regis Hospital and is a joint initiative between Sandwell Council and Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust.
Officials said the 20-bed ward was designed for patients medically-fit for discharge but unable to immediately return home because care packages are still being finalised.
Patients awaiting transfer from hospital to care or nursing homes will also use the new ward.
Bosses said it was expected people would only spend around 72 hours in the ward before being discharged.
It will be staffed at all times by one qualified nurse along with workers from care service Sevacare.
Officials said the new ward would free up acute beds at Sandwell General Hospital and Birmingham's City Hospital alongside those in other wards at Rowley Regis Hospital.
And they said it would provide more appropriate surroundings for medically-fit patients allowing them to acclimatise back to independent living.
It has been set up in the McCarthy ward at Rowley Regis Hospital, which had not been in use.
A deep clean of the facility took place before furniture was moved in to create the new facility.
Clinical Group Director for Community and Therapies Fiona Shorney said staff had worked hard to get the ward up-and-running quickly.
"There is a real need for this facility," she said.
"The ward opened earlier this week and on the first day it was used by five patients.
"There is the capacity for 20-beds and all of them will be in use eventually because we are a very busy trust.
"Patients will only use the ward for a short time.
"It will be of benefit because it will not only free up acute beds but be more suitable for patients who are awaiting discharge.
"They will be encouraged to do as much as possible for themselves which will prepare them for when they return home."
