- New 24-bed Weaver Unit provides rehabilitation, recovery and reablement support closer to home
- Helps patients avoid unnecessary hospital stays and supports faster, safer discharge
- Multidisciplinary team approach designed to maximise independence and improve patient outcomes
Patients across Bolton are set to benefit from a new specially designed unit to help people regain their independence and return home from hospital as quickly and safely as possible.
The new 24 bed Weaver Unit, located in N Block at Royal Bolton Hospital, has been created to support patients with rehabilitation, recovery and reablement support before returning home.
Bringing together nurses, therapists, doctors, pharmacists and social care professionals in one dedicated setting, the unit provides personalised care focused on helping patients recover, rebuild confidence and maximise their independence.
The Weaver Unit offers both a step-down service for patients leaving hospital and a step-up pathway for people living in the community whose needs have increased beyond what can safely be managed at home, but who do not require admission to an acute hospital bed.
By providing care in the most appropriate setting, the service aims to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions, minimise lengthy hospital stays and ensure patients receive the right level of support at the right time.
Muriel, who was one of the first patients to stay on the Weaver Unit, said:
“I was excited to be one of the first patients on the unit. I really like the rooms, they’re modern, a lot bigger and brighter and having a telly is great.
“It’s nice to see the same staff, they’re so helpful, and it’s good to be away from the main hospital.”
Rae Wheatcroft, Chief Operating Officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“The Weaver Unit is all about helping patients achieve the best possible outcome following illness or a period in hospital. For many people, the goal is to return home safely and independently, and the additional support available through the unit helps make that possible.
“By bringing various healthcare teams together, we can provide personalised care that focuses on what matters most to the patient. This means helping people regain confidence, improve their mobility and independence, and recover in an environment that is tailored to their needs.”
A key feature of the new service is the introduction of a dedicated discharge facilitator role, which will coordinate discharge planning from the earliest stages of a patient’s stay.
Working across health and social care services, the role helps remove barriers to discharge, ensures support is in place when patients leave the unit and provides a seamless transition back into the community.
Sam Carney, Divisional Director of Operations for Community Services at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“We know that extended stays in hospital can have a significant impact on a person’s independence and wellbeing, particularly for older patients.
“The Weaver Unit provides a bridge between hospital and home, giving patients the extra time, therapy and support they need to recover while maintaining a strong focus on returning home wherever possible.
“This marks a significant step forward for intermediate care services in Bolton. We are grateful to our partners at Bolton Council and the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board for their continued support and collaboration, which have been integral to the planning, design and successful delivery of this important service.”
The service has been developed in line with ‘Home First’ principles, which focus on supporting people to live independently in their own homes wherever possible.
By reducing reliance on acute hospital beds and supporting timely discharge, the Weaver Unit will also play an important role in improving patient flow across the wider health and care system, helping ensure hospital capacity is available for those who need it most.
