A NEW multi-million pound community health complex could be open in Hull within three years.
Plans for a centre for elderly patients requiring specialist rehabilitation have been put together by Hull Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
Proposals include space for up to 75 beds for patients who are currently cared for at Hull Royal Infirmary.
The idea is for the centre to act as a halfway point between home and hospital, helping free up much- needed ward space at the Infirmary.
Possible sites in east Hull are being reviewed, including the former David Lister School.
Hull CCG's chief officer Emma Latimer said: "At the moment, a lot of patients end up in Hull Royal because we don't have a community facility for them.
"Sometimes elderly people need respite care after hospital, before they go back into their own home or a GP might feel an elderly patient could benefit from a X-ray or observations overnight, but does not need acute intervention. We are making sure elderly people get the best care possible in a purpose-built environment."
Ms Latimer said detailed proposals will be ready by the autumn.
She said: "I really couldn't give a figure of how much it will cost, as we have to go to procurement, but a rough estimate would be £10m.
CCG chairman Dr Tony Banerjee said: "Some elderly patients stay in hospital for weeks after an operation but, sometimes, hospital is not the best place for them.
"This will be much more about social care."
Other services likely to feature include day case rehabilitation and diagnostics.
