The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has opened a new discharge hub called the Coronation Suite at Northern Devon District Hospital (NDDH) in the UK.

Funded with £2m from the UK Government, the modular building aims to support the discharge process for patients who are ready to leave the hospital but still need to wait for medication and discharge letters.

The hub can accommodate up to 20 patients and offers space for patients to finalise their discharge, including collecting medications, checking paperwork, and contacting their next of kin.

It can free up hospital beds for incoming patients and is part of a broader effort to enhance the patient experience as the demand for urgent and emergency care rises.

Royal Devon Northern services director of nursing Jason Lugg said: “We are delighted to be permanently opening this fantastic new facility for our patients.

“The hub is helping us to give patients a more positive experience when leaving our hospital and frees up beds in the hospital for those who need them the most.”

Formed in April 2022, the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust caters to the people of Devon with various general, specialist and emergency medical services.

In addition, the Trust provides primary care services, specialist community services, and sexual assault referral centres.

With more than 15,000 employees, it offers services across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon.