A REHABILITATION centre which aims to tackle bed-blocking in York has begun looking for staff.

The £1.6m centre is being built in the former City of York sheltered housing complex at Clarendon Court, off Haxby Road.

The centre will offer 28 beds for patients who do not need hospital treatment but need some support, or for patients who need assessing for rehabilitation following discharge from hospital.

The centre is a joint scheme between the City of York Council, which is providing the building under a lease arrangement, and Selby and York Primary Care Trust.

Head of specialist and therapy services, Sue Beckett, said: "The development of this facility will provide us with an excellent opportunity to work with patients with the main aim of allowing them to remain in their own homes.

"This unit will make a real difference for patients and provide staff with an excellent opportunity to develop their skills and work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team."

The centre hopes to reduce bed blocking where patients who are fit enough to leave hospital but not ready to leave home and end up staying on hospital wards.