Craigavon Area Hospital launches new discharge lounge

In a move to open up beds to acutely ill patients sooner, Craigavon Area Hospital has opened a new discharge lounge at the hospital.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Mar 2017, 12:15 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2017, 11:10 BST
Patient Terence Lawless before he was discharged from Craigavon Area Hospitals new discharge lounge with staff nurse, Maureen BrownPatient Terence Lawless before he was discharged from Craigavon Area Hospitals new discharge lounge with staff nurse, Maureen Brown
Patient Terence Lawless before he was discharged from Craigavon Area Hospitals new discharge lounge with staff nurse, Maureen Brown

This means that patients - who are accessed as fit to go home - will moved from beds in the hospital's main wards to the lounge where they can wait for their discharge papers and medication.

Situated on the ground floor of the hospital in the Ramone building, patients fit for home will be transferred to the new lounge on the day of their release.

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Staffed by trained nurses, meals and refreshments will also be available as needed on the ward, while free parking will be provided for 10 minutes to allow for swift collections.

The new discharge lounge team - Orla Byrne, nursing auxiliary, Louise Devlin, head of service, Sarah Hislop, clinical sister, Carmel McCann and Maureen Brown, staff nursesThe new discharge lounge team - Orla Byrne, nursing auxiliary, Louise Devlin, head of service, Sarah Hislop, clinical sister, Carmel McCann and Maureen Brown, staff nurses
The new discharge lounge team - Orla Byrne, nursing auxiliary, Louise Devlin, head of service, Sarah Hislop, clinical sister, Carmel McCann and Maureen Brown, staff nurses

The Southern Trust said family members are also welcome to wait with patients, as they wait for final discharge from treatment at the hospital.

Welcoming the new development Louise Devlin, Head of Service for the Southern Health and Social Care Trust said: "Most patients want to get home to their own surroundings as soon as they are medically able and can sometimes find the discharge process a bit lengthy and frustrating from the time they are told they will be leaving until we have all the necessary arrangements in place.

"It is also really important, especially at this time of year when our hospital is so busy, that we can ensure those patients who need a bed most are admitted as quickly as possible.”

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"The Discharge Lounge is a very welcome development in helping to improve patient flow throughout the hospital.

Family members can wait with patients declared fit for homeFamily members can wait with patients declared fit for home
Family members can wait with patients declared fit for home

"We are delighted to be able to offer those who are fit for home a comfortable and safe place to wait until they are ready to go home while at the same time freeing up beds on the main wards for the next sick patient."