Patients in the UK could be sent to recover from surgery in private homes , in a scheme similar to that operated by Airbnb , as part of a new clinical trial . The scheme , which will be piloted in Essex by startup CareRooms , is designed to combat bed blocking and save money . The pilot involves Southend University hospital foundation trust; Southend and Castlepoint, and Rayleigh and Rochford clinical commissioning groups; Essex county council and Southend council. However , critics argue that it poses risks to patient safety . Hosts , who could earn up to £ 1,000 ( $ 1,319 ) per month , would be required to provide meals and offer conversation . The NHS has seen a 40 % rise in so - called “ bedblocking ” in the past year , resulting in up to 8,000 deaths annually .
Patients in the UK could be sent to recover from surgery in private homes , in a scheme similar to that operated by Airbnb , as part of a new clinical trial . The scheme , which will be piloted in Essex by startup CareRooms , is designed to combat bed blocking and save money . However , critics argue that it poses risks to patient safety . Hosts , who could earn up to £ 1,000 ( $ 1,319 ) per month , would be required to provide meals and offer conversation . The NHS has seen a 40 % rise in so - called “ bedblocking ” in the past year , resulting in up to 8,000 deaths annually .