We have been working with other trusts, commissioners and the voluntary sector to provide an alternative for those patients that need care but don’t require an acute hospital admission. We have collectively agreed to open 100 additional community beds which will reduce bed occupancy at East Surrey Hospital, allow us to be better prepared for winter and improve the patient experience.
Sir David Nicholson, Chief Executive of NHS England has said that preventative care and improved services for people in the community were crucial to avoid a growing funding gap in the NHS. By working in partnership we are ensuring that the way in which services are organised is in the best interests of patients.
