Patient scheme frees up ward places

A new ‘step down’ system introduced in Dundee has helped control delayed discharges in the city.

The integrated health and social care discharge hub acts as a transition facility to free up traditional hospital beds.

Patients are moved from wards to Bluebell Unit at Riverside View and some rooms in Menzieshill House to alleviate pressure.

These properties help rehabilitate patients in the community, with time limits in place to prevent a backlog from growing to unsustainable levels.

Patients can still access the same therapy they would if in hospital beds.

The Courier understands a similar system will shortly be set up in housing with care facilities in the city.

The hub scheme was first implemented in the city in December 2015, but work is now under way to further develop a fully integrated team to increase capacity of the service and further develop opportunities for discharge assessment for all Ninewells patients.

Meanwhile, Angus has been noted for performing well with a low number of delayed discharges.

An Angus Health and Social Care Partnership spokesperson said of bed blocking: “It is an issue that has not significantly contributed to NHS Tayside’s financial position as we are among the best performing areas in Scotland.

“The majority of discharges happen as planned and without any delay.”

However, an Angus care worker, who chose to remain anonymous, said there were still growing pressures.

They said: “It’s a mess for the carers. They are having hours cut and restructuring means that a lot are having to reapply for their own jobs – they’re going through interviews at the moment and are worried for their future.

“I’ve been a carer for 20 years and things seem to be getting worse. In the past the council was able to provide care, but now it’s just not there.”

Patients are moved from wards to Riverside View and Menzieshill House.