A nursing home in the Isle of Wight is set to begin taking NHS patients in a move that could widen the remit of private residential care.

The Orchard in Newport has been chosen for the role because it is said to be cheaper than keeping the patients in beds at NHS alternatives.

In addition it frees up essential bed space for others at the local Newport St Mary's Hospital.

It is said to be a tactic increasingly used by the NHS as it comes under pressure to meet targets and maximise space, but head of adult services Sandy Weller told Isle of Wight today it was important to maintain a balance.

"We do need to be careful that we do not create so much capacity that it encourages people to come here from the mainland, although currently there are 100 vacancies in residential care for the elderly and that does not appear to have sparked an influx," she commented.