EMPTY flats at a Hampshire sheltered housing complex are being used to ease the winter burden on local hospital beds.

Fernhill Care Limited, part of the Atlantic Housing Group, is throwing open six temporarily vacant flats at Chandler's Ford to accommodate elderly or frail people.

Backed by the expert skills of a joint health and social services team, the initiative is aimed at avoiding the need for unnecessary admission to hospital.

And the aim is also to take professional care directly into the heart of the community to free up much-needed beds in local hospitals for more critically-ill patients.

The scheme is being spearheaded by a special taskforce which is called the Preventing Dependency Team.

It includes occupational therapists, physiotherapists, nurses, rehabilitation assistants and social services care managers, all working closely with local GPs.

And the team will visit residents, as required, on a daily basis to ensure all medical rehabilitation needs are met, with carer support provided by Fernhill throughout the night.

Fernhill's general manager Penny Bonnor-Moris says: "The government announcement on plans for meeting the winter demand for beds illustrates the seasonal problem facing local hospitals. This scheme offers a small but important contribution. It is good use of resources for a good community project."

NHS therapy services manager Jane Barnacle, who heads the Preventing Dependency Team, says: "This initiative is an exciting partnership of dedicated professionals and local organisations, all with one joint aim - to provide the best care for older people which aims to restore independence."

The scheme which will run between now and March is a partnership between Eastleigh Housing Association, Eastleigh North Primary Care Group, Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust and social services.