The government is looking into a scheme which would allow relatives of patients to deliver simple nursing care, according to The Telegraph.

Ministers are considering setting up a network of 'patient hotels' that allow relatives to stay with the chronically ill and deliver basic nursing. Parts of hospitals could be converted to have the look and feel of a hotel, whilst housing sophisticated and essential medical equipment. Separate buildings could even be converted to these new 'patient hotels'.

Whilst health secretary Andrew Lansley would only confirm the scheme is being studied, a No. 10 adviser spoke about the benefits of 'patient hotels' in Prospect Magazine. "Patient hotels achieve better clinical outcomes at much lower cost than conventional hospitals, and score much higher for patient satisfaction," said David Halpern.

They could help the NHS cut costs as only those in nurse manager jobs, and key supporting staff would be needed. The relatives would be given basic training so they can clean wounds and administer other types of basic care, which would reduce the number of nurses required on wards.

If this happens, it's expected that it will be introduced as part of the prime minister's 'big society' plans. The scheme has already proved successful in other parts of Europe, The Telegraph claims.