Elderly patients' care changes at Northampton hospital

Northampton General Hospital (NGH) is to change the way it cares for elderly patients.

The hospital trust is looking to free up beds that are sometimes used by elderly people for long periods.

From September some patients will be admitted directly to a short-stay ward and others could be looked after at care homes near the hospital.

The Transformation Programme at NGH is aimed at saving £2.5m between 2011 and 2012.

'Clear plans'

Fiona Lennon, the directorate manager for medicine and emergency care, said: "What we are trying to do is build up patients' independence so they can be discharged back to their home environment."

The short-stay care wards like the Brampton ward at NGH will target specific care for each patient, the trust said.

"There will be clear plans of care for patients so they will be seen every day by therapist and consultants," said Mrs Lennon.

It is hoped the changes will help elderly patients recover more quickly and, as a result, save money.

The new programme will start on 5 September.