A new Infusion Suite has opened at Queen’s Hospital, where patients can receive infusion therapy as an outpatient, rather than needing to stay in hospital overnight.

Infusion therapy is when medication or fluids are administered directly into the bloodstream and is used to treat a wide range of conditions.

Among the first patients to benefit was Clare Parker, of Collier Row, who has Crohn's disease.

Clare, 46, said: “It’s much better than having to be an inpatient. Without my infusion therapy, I wouldn’t have the energy to get through the day.

“The team are fantastic and help me to feel relaxed. Since my IV therapy takes five hours, it’s nice to feel at ease and comfortable during my lengthy treatments."

The Infusion Suite was opened on Tuesday 21 November. As well as reducing the time patients need to spend in hospital, it also provides an improved environment, with eight chairs for patients to receive their IV drip comfortably.

The opening of the suite is an important milestone, especially ahead of winter, when the number of patients needing hospital beds increases. Removing unnecessary stays for infusion therapy patients is not only more convenient for them; it also means more beds are available for other patients.

Claire McGregor, Deputy Director of Improvement Delivery, said: "This is such an exciting development for our Trust as it allows patients in our local communities to be discharged earlier and have their ongoing treatment as an outpatient.

“This means they can recover in the comfort of their own homes, spend time with their friends and families, and return to work and education sooner."