A new discharge lounge has opened at University Hospital in Ayr.
The new feature, which opened at the tail end of last month, has two bed spaces and capacity for 15 patients within the open plan seated area.
It can also accommodate patients who require stretcher transport, as well as those who are oxygen dependent.
Joanne Edwards, director of acute services at NHS Ayrshire & Arran, said: “It is fantastic to see the discharge lounge welcoming its first patients.
“Having such a comfortable and relaxed environment really helps to improve the overall patient experience.
“Hot meals and drinks are available for when patients are awaiting discharge. And to entertain our patients, there is a TV, as well as a great supply of books and magazines.
“It is not just patients who benefit. The staff in the discharge lounge are able to take on some of the tasks which would normally be done by the ward staff – for example, collecting patients from the wards and booking transport.
“This frees up time on the ward for direct patient care.”
The aim of the discharge lounge is to improve patient flow through the hospital and ensure that patients are in the right place.
The lounge can help to ease bottlenecks in the emergency department (ED) and combined assessment unit (CAU).
Ms Edwards said: “Every patient using the discharge lounge early is releasing a bed on our wards, which means that these beds are available to those who need acute care. Improved patient flow is essential in easing the pressure across the health and care system.
“At the heart of this is patient care. The discharge lounge means that patients are often discharged from the hospital quicker. This in turn means that more patients receive the right care, in the right place at the right time.”
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