THE pressures faced by hospitals across Sussex in recent weeks as they battle with large numbers of patients and a shortage of beds has been well documented.
And the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton has been no exception.
A large part of the problem has been caused by the high number of people who no longer need urgent hospital care but cannot be discharged until a nursing or community bed becomes available.
The lack of beds has had a knock-on effect on other hospital departments and so it is good news to know steps have been taken to rectify the issue by opening up an extra ward for up to 40 patients who need extra care before they are sent home.
The downside is that it is eight miles away in Newhaven, which may make it difficult for relatives to come and visit.
However it does show hospital bosses are willing to try different options to see them through the current situation.
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