The new 25-bed standalone unit, called Preston Lodge, which is 1.6 miles from the Leicester Royal Infirmary, helps patients recover from their hospital stay while getting specialist care such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language support, and rehabilitation.  

The new unit supports the Government's shift from acute to community care, as set out in the NHS 10 Year Plan.   

Jon Melbourne, deputy chief executive and chief operating officer at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL), said: ‘Preston Lodge further enhances UHL's community offer and shows how the trust is working ahead of the NHS 10-Year Plan. We know how important it is for our patients to receive care in the right place, and by providing multi-disciplinary care in the community, we will be freeing up vital beds in our acute hospitals. I am looking forward to seeing the positive impact this facility will have on our patients.'

Construction work is still underway at the former care home site, with a further 28 beds set to be ready in time for winter.   

One of the first patients to be treated at Preston Lodge was Doreen Sharpe, 93, who was transferred to the unit after a two-week stay at the Leicester General Hospital following a fall at home.

She said: ‘It's lovely here, the rooms are nice, and the food is good. I feel like the staff are making a lot of time for me, which is very nice.'