WINCHESTER hospital bosses have announced plans for a new unit to deal with doctor-referred patients.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust bosses revealed complaints were received last year from patients waiting in accident and emergency after being referred for hospital treatment by their GPs.

Speaking at a trust board meeting Medical director Dr Andrew Bishop said: “One of the things we are trying to do is build more resiliency in Winchester so we do not get to the situation where frail and elderly people have to go to the emergency department (ED) as it’s not the most appropriate place for them.

“We are taking this forward to make sure that does not happen next winter by creating a dedicated facility for them.”

Dr Bishop said problems arose last year when more elderly patients were referred but went to the ED to arrange examinations.

He said: “The difference between the hospitals in Basingstoke and Winchester is there is a more functional unit with an acute assessment unit in Basingstoke.

“There’s not the same dedicated facility in Winchester so when there is pressure on beds in the ED those referral patients have a less positive experience. It’s not the best place for the frail and elderly.”

Donna Green, chief nurse, added: “We are talking about issues with the environmental set up rather than clinical care. We want patients to have a dedicated, purpose-built facility rather than go to areas that do not function as well.”

No costs, timeframe or location for the building were discussed at the meeting.