A 'HOME from home' hospital scheme in Bradford is in the running for a national award.

The pioneering project managed by Horton Housing Association has been shortlisted in the UK Housing Awards (UKHA).

Bradford Respite and Integrated Care and Support Service (BRICSS) is a new scheme which prevents ‘bed blocking’ by providing accommodation for people being discharged from hospital and who are homeless or living in inadequate housing.

Run in partnership with Bevan Healthcare CIC, the scheme is one of the first of its kind in the country.

Bradford has a significant homeless population and the14-bed facility comprises housing, clinical and social care.

While at BRICSS, clients can also access intensive GP, nursing and mental health nursing care and other services which can help them get suitable housing.

The UK Housing Awards recognise outstanding work by housing organisations to improve the lives of people in their communities.

Horton Housing will find out on April 21 if it has won the ‘Meeting Specialist Housing Needs’ award.

Chief executive officer for Horton Housing Paul Gartland said: “This scheme saves lives. It provides a lifeline for people who would otherwise be trying to recover from serious illness in poor quality housing, or out on the streets."

The service was set up in December 2013 with one-off government funding which helped to pay for the building, close to Bradford city centre, and some initial running costs.