NEW “step-up/step-down” health care beds have been opened across Hambleton and Richmondshire.

Eight new beds funded by the local NHS have opened across the district with the most recent opening in Brompton near Northallerton.

The beds provide patients with health care and prevent them from having to go into hospital or “bed blocking” by providing patients with further health care after a stay in hospital.

The short stay beds are placed in extra care housing and care homes in conjunction with North Yorkshire County Council and local housing providers and are available for up to six weeks to deliver care closer to home.

They can also provide a homely environment for patients at end of life as well as those patients needing rehabilitation.

The first one launched as a pilot in November 2016 at Sycamore Hall in Bainbridge in the Yorkshire Dales.

Last year seven other beds were introduced across Hambleton and Richmondshire at:

Bedale – Benkhill Lodge, Bedale

• Brompton – The Orchards, Brompton

• Leyburn – Kirkwood Hall, Hamby Road Extra Care in Leyburn

Stokesley – Town Close, North Road, Stokesley

• Thirsk – Orchid House, Herriot Gardens, Sowerby near Thirsk

The flats leased in extra care facilities by Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby CCG are private self-contained accommodation with a bedroom, bathroom, living room and small kitchen. Families are also welcome to stay.

Gill Collinson, chief nurse of the CCG said: “All sites hosting a step-up/step-down bed also have a telemedicine service in place to provide additional support and care for our patients. This technology helps all staff onsite to access speedy medical advice from other NHS sites and support so as to provide the best care.”