Capacity doubles at bed-blocking prevention unit

The intermediate care bed facility at Parkview Gardens in Barrow opened in August

A care facility designed to prevent bed-blocking in hospitals is set to more than double its capacity.

Parkview Gardens in Barrow, Cumbria, opened eight beds in August to support people who no longer need hospital care but are not yet fit enough to go home.

A further 10 beds are due to be made available by the end of October after a successful start to the scheme, according to those behind it.

Jane Scattergood, director of health and care integration for South Cumbria, said: "This is something our area has badly needed for many years."

The care home has so far welcomed 30 patients, with some still receiving rehabilitation before they can return home.

Promoting independence

The organisations said the unit was designed to prevent people from staying in hospital "longer than needed" because they were "unable to access services to help regain or maintain their independence" - also known as bed-blocking.

Nikkie Phipps, assistant director for care services at Westmorland and Furness Council, said some patients may struggle with daily activities such as making meals, going up and down stairs or personal care.

She said: "Nobody wants to stay in hospital longer than they need to and services to help them to promote their independence and wellbeing in a personalised way are a better option."

Four short-term respite care beds are also provided as part of the scheme, with the number increasing to six later this month.

It means full-time carers would be able to have a break from their duties.