The Spire Hospital in Harpenden has been selected as the first to offer home from hospital care service.

The hospital has signed a contact with Saga Healthcare to offer patients an exclusive service, designed to help rehabilitation following inpatient care, and could range from simple dressing changes to full live-in post-operative support.

This service, which is being piloted at the hospital, is the first of its kind to be offered in the private healthcare sector.

Specialist nurses from Saga Healthcare will meet patients and the Spire medical team to assess what and support is required when a patient is discharged.

This can include travel to and from hospital and daily visits from the nurse.

Hospital director at Spire Harpenden Hospital, Julia Salmon, said: "Our patients are our priority and this service means the high level of care will continue into the home environment once they are well enough to leave us.

"Saga provide a professional and caring service which echoes the Spire Harpenden Hospital values.

"This product means that any patient who needs additional support at home can tailor their home care package to suit their needs."

The launch of the new home from hospital service will be a phased approach with services already in place in Harpenden.

Further roll-out of the service across all Spire Healthcare hospitals is expected throughout 2015.