New Infusion Suite opens to support earlier discharges

A new Infusion Suite has officially opened at a Wolverhampton hospital, with the aim of improving patient care and reducing admissions.

The suite at New Cross Hospital welcomed its first patients last week. An Infusion Suite is a clinical setting where patients receive medications and fluids intravenously (IV).

These suites are designed for outpatient care, allowing people to receive treatments such as intravenous fluid and electrolytes, iron, antibiotics, blood products and other specialised therapies without an overnight hospital stay.

Alan Portlock, 78, was the first patient to receive treatment in the unit. He was being treated for anaemia.

He said: “It’s been convenient to have treatment on the same day rather than stay overnight. It’s been surprisingly quicker than I’d expected.

“I was told I needed a blood transfusion, that was it, and now I’m here having the treatment. Everyone has been very nice, the staff have been great.”

Thomas Tonkinson, Senior Charge Nurse at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, said: “With capacity to treat up to six patients at a time, the new Infusion Suite offers a safe and efficient setting for administering IV medications such as antibiotics and preventive therapies.

“This new service will play a key role in expediting patient discharges and preventing unnecessary hospital stays, supporting better patient flow across the hospital.

“Each shift is staffed by two trained Nurses and a runner, ensuring that patients receive high-quality, timely care in a comfortable outpatient environment.”

The team is also keen to raise awareness among staff about the new service.

He added: “The opening of the Infusion Suite is a fantastic development that helps us deliver care more efficiently and safely.

“It allows patients to receive their treatment and return home the same day, freeing up hospital beds and improving overall patient experience.

“Although we are based inside the hospital building, we are a community team.

“As a team, we’re really passionate about keeping patients at home in the community.

“It’s better for the patient, reduces wait times in the Emergency Department, and it’s much more comfortable for patients to receive treatment in the infusion suite, and go back to their own home rather than have a hospital stay.”