1,892 beds blocked by delayed hospital discharge

THE average number of beds occupied by patients delayed from leaving hospital reached its highest level in four months in March.

Public Health Scotland data showed, on average, 1,892 beds were occupied each day in March by patients clinically ready to leave hospital but unable to do so, for reasons such as a lack of social care packages or family and carer issues.

This was the highest level since November 2023 when it was 1,894.

The average length of delay was 24 days.

Scottish Conservative health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane urged incoming first minister John Swinney to prioritise tackling the issue.

He said: “Since Shona Robison promised to eradicate delayed discharge nine years ago, successive SNP health secretaries have completely failed to do so.”

Scottish Labour health spokesperson Dame Jackie Baillie said the NHS is in “total chaos after 17 years of SNP failure” and called for action to tackle the issues.

She said: “Delayed discharge is soaring and piling pressure on other services.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-hamilton said: “Whilst the SNP were distracted by internal division and fracture, far too many people were stuck in hospital.”

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “The health and social care system continues to face pressure due to a number of factors, including the availability of workforce and suitable care placements, and increased levels of frailty and acuity, likely worsened by the impact of the pandemic.

“The Scottish Government is continuing to work with NHS boards and health and social care partnerships to reduce delays in people leaving hospital.

“We have put in place the delayed discharge and hospital occupancy action plan, that seeks to create the necessary capacity to deal with emerging pressures.”