Beds are to be freed up in under-pressure Norfolk hospitals this winter by temporarily moving patients into housing with care flats.
The pioneering approach is being done to prevent delayed discharges in the county's hospitals at a time when pressure is mounting on NHS services.
People who have been assessed as being medically well enough to leave hospital, but would not be able to go home because they need extra support, will be temporarily moved into 10 housing with care flats.
They will be able to stay in those properties for up to four weeks. They will receive round-the-clock care and support before moving back to their home.
The housing with care flats are usually offered to older people who need extra support but want to retain their independence.
Marcus Bailey, winter system director for Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System, said: "We know that no one wants to stay in a hospital longer than they need to.
"This innovative use of housing with care flats helps people leave hospital when they’re medically fit and still receive care, allowing our hospitals to care for very sick patients."
READ MORE: Norfolk care boss in winter pressure warning
The flats will be available until the end of March.
The initiative has been developed as a partnership between Norfolk County Council, landlords Broadland Housing Association and Saffron Housing Trust, NorseCare, Country Kitchen Foods Norfolk and NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board.
Bill Borrett, the county council’s cabinet member for public health, said: "We want to help people feel better prepared to return home after spending time in hospital and this new approach enables them to try out housing with care.
"If those who have been supported in housing with care consider the option of moving to a scheme in the future it may well help them retain their independence and give them peace of mind that care is on hand if they need it."
There are 18 housing with care schemes across Norfolk.
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