Patients at Watford General Hospital can now spend the last few hours of their stay in comfort thanks to the refurbishment of a discharge lounge.

The lounge, which is designed to offer a home-from-home atmosphere for those waiting to leave hospital following a stay in a ward, has been given a new look in line with West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS’s target to improve overall patient experience.

Natalie Forrest, director of nursing, said: “Our patients seem delighted with the new look.

“This is a key part of the patient experience and these improved surroundings provide patients with a safe, comfortable, friendly environment while they wait for a lift home without having to still be on the ward.

“It also allows ward staff to allocate beds for new patients earlier therefore improving the flow of patients through the hospital.”

The lounge, which is situated within the main entrance, will open between 8am to 7pm from Monday to Friday.