Discharge delays in hospitals cost £17m

Central Scotland MSP Graham Simpson has called for action after figures revealed delayed discharge of patients cost NHS Lanarkshire nearly £ 17m last year.

NHS Scotland confirmed that more than 368,000 of the 494,123 total bed days lost last year due to delayed discharge were for health and social care reasons, with the Lanarkshire hospitals losing around 72,000 between them.

Mr Simpson claims the NHS can “ill- afford to lose money” that could be better spent on training more staff at the three Lanarkshire hospitals.

He said: “Another week and another crisis for the NHS.

“The SNP Government has no one to blame but themselves for this mess.

“The figure of 72,285 bed days lost due to delayed discharge is scandalous, especially on the back of the promise made three years ago by Shona Robison to eradicate delayed discharge.

“Ms Robison and her department really need to get a grip and start showing leadership. The morale of hospital staff is at rock bottom with many leaving the profession as a result.”

He continued: “The £17m that bed delay is costing NHS Lanarkshire is money they can ill- afford to lose and could be put to better use on training and retaining frontline medical staff.

“The SNP Government has to be held to account on this terrible state of affairs.

“The people who cherish the NHS and all it stands for will make their feelings known in no uncertain terms at the next election.”