The discharge lounge at the Royal Free Hospital (RFH) has recently marked one year on from its refurbishment, and has reached many important milestones in that time.

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The usage of the lounge has increased from an average daily attendance of nine patients per day to 31 patients per day, with 98% of patients having positive experiences with the service as reported through friends and family tests.

The lounge is staffed with two registered nurses, two health care assistants and an administrator who can help with transport bookings, new and existing.

There is a full a la carte menu available to patients to receive hot and cold meals, as well as a self-service snack station and a range of hot drinks available.

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Kyle Harding, assistant operations manager, said patient feedback has been positive since the refurbishment.

“We have been really keen to ensure that despite seeing an increase in attendance, the patient experience remains positive,” Kyle said.

“Patients who used the lounge before the refurbishment could not believe how much it had improved, and lots are in agreement that our lounge is better than what you would find in most airport lounges!

“I encourage all staff to come and see the space for themselves and send your patients here when appropriate. Patients really prefer the discharge lounge over waiting on a ward environment.”

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While the feedback from patients has been positive, the lounge has much more capacity.

“We have the capacity to see up to 26 patients which we can turn over every three to four hours,” Kyle explained.

Capacity ranges from high, mid and low back chairs, electronic reclining chairs, a dedicated bariatric electronic chair and a trolley space.

As well as the increased capacity of the lounge, the criteria of patient eligibility has also increased. The exclusion criteria for the discharge lounge now is any active respiratory infection, patients receiving end of life care and a patient under section or deprivation of liberties safeguards (DOLs).

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If in doubt, it is always best to phone down and ask the lounge staff, Kyle says.

“If everyone makes a conscious effort to use the lounge, we can free up beds, help improve patient flow throughout the hospital and ensure a positive experience and environment for patients who are awaiting final elements of discharge," Kyle said.