The pioneering model which saw Rothbury Hospital reopen earlier this year is to expand.
Services returned to the hospital which had been closed for more than five years in January with the launch of a partnership between care organisation People First Care and the Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust. This saw the inpatient ward become a residential care home while retaining the ability to offer flexible NHS beds.
Now, after a successful first six months, the new service will grow and work to increase the number of ensuite rooms from 12 to 14 is to take place over the summer. Since the facility reopened, 31 people have spent time at the home, with 13 receiving NHS care.
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Marion Dickson, executive director of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals for Northumbria Healthcare, thanked all involved and said: "We are delighted to be able to increase the number of people that can access our facility. Feedback so far, from patients, residents, families and staff from all partners, has been very positive.
"The main theme being around the benefits of people being able to access the care they need in their local community and close to their loved ones. We have learnt a lot over the last six months and will use this learning to improve the model of care if we need to."
The new ensuite rooms will be located where the lounge currently is and the day room will become the new lounge. A new dry goods store will also be installed.
Nigel Dawson, director of Rothbury Cottage Care Ltd - part of People First Care - said: "We are really pleased about how our partnership is working and increasing the number of beds is testament to this. It also reflects the benefits of integrating peoples’ care. It is great to be able to keep people in their local community, close to family and friends.
"I would like to thank the local community for the support given to us and to all colleagues involved who are making such a difference to people’s lives."
The NHS beds in the hospital are available to those who need longer-term recuperation, rehab and end of life care. A team of district nurses, GPs and nurse practioners support the service and also offer care in people's own homes.
The decision to expand comes following a detailed review of the NHS provision, which will be shared with stakeholders. The hospital's reopening this year came years after its closure in 2016 - which was initially described as "temporary". Following that, campaigners fought to see NHS provision return to the village.
