Tonsil patients put up in hotel

CHILDREN who have had operations to remove their tonsils are being put up in a hotel to free up hospital beds.

Derriford hospital in Plymouth, Devon, is paying pounds 60 a night for the children to stay in the hotel with their parents. So far six have enjoyed bed and breakfast just ten minutes from the hospital so that they can get back quickly if there are any complications.

It is believed to be the first scheme of its sort in the country and if it is successful it may be extended to other patients.

Terri West, spokeswoman for the hospital, said the aim of the scheme was to free up beds rather than to save money on care. "This is still very much a trial and it involves patients who do not need medical care. It is for their reassurance if they live some distance away from the hospital that they feel they can come back if they need."

There are no medical facilities at the hotel but the hospital says they are not needed because all of the patients involved are fit to be discharged.

"Obviously nobody will be discharged unless they are fit to be," said Ms West.