A NEW housing unit for patients re-entering the community has re-opened following a much-needed make-over.

The unit in Kennedy House, Yate, has been refurbished to give short-term temporary accommodation for people with medical needs.

The joint initiative between South Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust and South Gloucestershire Council was funded by a £250,000 government grant.

Stephanie Beaven, from the South Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust, said: "This initiative has resulted from close working between the trust's intermediate care service, social services and housing to adapt the accommodation to meet the needs of disabled people and then ensure that their stay there leads to a return to independent living in their own home."

As well as giving a home to people who are returning to the community from hospital or residential care, the unit will also be used to house people waiting for housing adaptations. It will also benefit people who are in need of rehabilitation.

Cllr Maggie Tyrrell, executive member for community care, housing and health, added: "The extension of this type of intermediate care service into Yate will make a large difference to many people's lives. It will mean people are able to receive the care they need without taking up valuable resources in hospital, and will also help them adjust to living independently in their community again."

A similar scheme running in Shortwood View, Kingswood, opened last summer.

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