Carlisle’s Station Hotel will be used to help ease the pressure on the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Arrangements have been made to use the former Hallmark hotel, which has been closed for several months, for patients at the Cumberland Infirmary who are medically fit but not yet able to return home.
Due to the increasing pressures on the NHS and hospitals, it is hoped that the introduction of short-term temporary care accommodation will help.
People discharged into temporary care accommodation may be unable to return home because they have vulnerable family members who could be at risk until the individual has completed their self-isolation period, or because they are awaiting care or support packages to allow them to return to home.
It is expected that people will stay for days not weeks.
Around 10 people are expected to be discharged initially, with space available for more.
Strict infection prevention and control measures will be in place throughout the hotel.
John Readman, executive director – people at Cumbria County Council, said: “This is a positive new development which means medically-fit people can be discharged from hospital in comfort even if they can’t yet return home because of their circumstances.
“This is better for the individual and will help relieve some of the pressure on our hospitals and our care homes and ensure that medical beds are available for those who need treatment.
“This approach has been used successfully elsewhere in the country and we have been working hard with our partners in the NHS and the hotel’s management to put arrangements in place.
“Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard over recent days to make this new service available.”
Peter Rooney, chief operating officer, NHS North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “This is a great example of health and care partners working together to ensure those with the most urgent medical needs can continue to access urgent health care while supporting the needs of our community.
“Thank you to those who have worked hard on the ground to put this resource in place.”
