Ref. 28501-17A new discharge lounge at Swindon's Great Western Hospital has already made a difference to the problem with so-called bed blocking.

The lounge, located at the front of the hospital on the ground floor, has saved 33 bed days since it opened at the beginning of November.

The room, which is staffed by at least one nurse and one nursing auxiliary, houses 15 chairs where patients who are well enough to leave hospital but not well enough to go home without support can sit and wait for medication.

Sister Karen Manders said the discharge lounge benefits both the patient and the hospital.

"We have a fast track service to the pharmacy based at the hospital so people can get their medication quickly," she said.

"The lounge also means we are able to explain their medication and offer a personal touch which might not be available on the wards because they are so busy.

"It is used by a complete cross-section of the hospital. People usually go home within an hour or two, and it means they normally leave hospital a day early."

The lounge was previously used as an information centre, which has been relocated in the hospital.

In November the lounge served 334 patients, saving 14.6 bed days, while last month 385 patients used the service, saving the hospital 18.5 bed days.