The average stay at Gosport War Memorial Hospital's Sultan Ward has plummeted from 35 days to just 14 days.

It comes after the 20-bed ward, which cares for the elderly and most vulnerable, became the first in Hampshire to try a new scheme.

Instead of having to go to Cosham's Queen Alexandra Hospital to be seen first, patients can be referred straight to the Sultan Ward by their GP.

Doctors say this causes less stress to the patients, resulting in a quicker recovery.

Nurses at the War Memorial have also been trained in extra skills, including taking blood and administering intravenous drugs, which the hospital says has reduced the length of stay.

Toni Scammell, modern matron at Gosport War Memorial Hospital, said: 'Minimising the upheaval and stress of admission has had a dramatic effect on improving patients' experience and recovery rate.

'Training the nurses has also meant that they can treat more patients because of the extra skills they now have.

'It is great news for the local community as it means more beds are available and we are treating patients more efficiently.'

The ward has been running the Step Up scheme since February 2007 and the length of stay fell in the following 18 months.

The success of the scheme has attracted attention from other community hospitals and primary care trusts across the country who are now looking to take it on themselves in the coming months.

Elizabeth Emms, head of adult services in South East Hampshire, said: 'The success of Sultan Ward is good news for the hospital and the local community.

'It has a positive impact on both patients and resources.'