The final stage of work on the former care home will provide 28 additional beds by early January.

Rachael Briggs, UHL's deputy chief operating officer, Digital and Improvement, said: ‘The refurbishment of Preston Lodge marks a significant step forward in UHL's commitment to delivering high-quality care closer to home. This new facility not only strengthens our community rehabilitation offer but also reflects how we are working ahead of the NHS 10 -Year Plan in close partnership with local authorities and NHS partners.  

‘Increasing our bed capacity at the unit is part of our plan as we prepare for the pressures of winter. Preston Lodge will play a vital role in easing demand on our acute hospitals while ensuring patients receive the compassionate, specialist support they need to recover well.'

Patients stay at the unit for 17 days on average while they recover with the support of a multi-disciplinary team, allowing time for a more permanent solution to be found in the community alongside the support of patients' families. It also means acute hospital beds are freed up for those who need them most. 

The cost of delayed discharge has been estimated by The Kings Fund at £395 per bed, per night. Last December, more than 10,000 patients a day remained in hospital who were no longer meeting the criteria to stay, suggesting a cost to the NHS in excess of £122m.