Homeward-bound patients at Southport Hospital get set in comfort

PATIENTS ready to go home from Southport hospital are now finding their departure that little more relaxing.
The hospital has opened a discharge lounge for those patients who no longer need a bed but whose medication is still being prepared or who are awaiting a lift home.

The lounge, which is located between the Medical Day Unit and at the Accident and Emergency Department, has comfortable armchairs, refreshments, and a radio for entertainment. Meals can also be delivered.

Christine Hughes, from Ormskirk, is regular a patient at Southport and appreciates the difference the lounge has made.



“Previously, you were either sat in reception or going in and out looking for your lift,” she said. “But here you can sit down with your bags and relax. It’s a great improvement.”

Janet Lloyd, the matron responsible for the lounge, said Christine’s comments were typical of those she had received.

“The lounge is a winner all round. Patients like it because they have somewhere comfortable, away from the ward, to wait while they’re waiting to go home. The Trust benefits too because we can get on preparing a bed for the next patient who needs it.”

The discharge lounge is open Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.30pm.nyellis@nhs.net