diff --git a/source/java/org/alfresco/repo/admin/patch/impl/UniqueChildNamePatch.java b/source/java/org/alfresco/repo/admin/patch/impl/UniqueChildNamePatch.java
index d2525361cd..28a77aadd3 100644
--- a/source/java/org/alfresco/repo/admin/patch/impl/UniqueChildNamePatch.java
+++ b/source/java/org/alfresco/repo/admin/patch/impl/UniqueChildNamePatch.java
@@ -216,6 +216,9 @@ public class UniqueChildNamePatch extends AbstractPatch
                             writeLine("     Replaced with:  " + usedChildName);
                         }
                     }
+                    // clear the session to preserve memory
+                    getSession().flush();
+                    getSession().clear();
                 }
             }