Coronavirus: Number of medically fit patients occupying hospital beds in Nottinghamshire dramatically reduces

The number of patients occupying hospital beds in Nottinghamshire when they are medically fit to be at home has dramatically reduced thanks to new arrangements introduced during the coronavirus outbreak.

A closer working relationship has helped unlock the potential in the local NHS health and care workforce to transform services in a short space of time.

Hospitals have seen the number of patients occupying beds unnecessarily reduce by almost 75% since the middle of March.

A single multi-agency integrated discharge function is helping patients to leave hospital and be cared for in alternative settings, freeing up beds for the sickest people.

A further 15,000 beds will be available through cancelled elective operations, and 10,000 are being bought from the private sector.

Melanie Brooks, corporate director for adult social care and public health at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “I have been impressed by the way everyone has swiftly moved into action to cope with this crisis.

“We work really hard with our partners to make sure people aren’t spending unnecessary time in hospital and freeing up those beds for the next patient. In an incredibly short space of time, we have achieved so much and I’d like to thank everyone involved who has worked so hard during difficult circumstances.”

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