Delayed discharge rise: "how bad does it have to get before real action is taken?
New figures showing the number of delayed discharges in Scotland have risen by 6% over the last year have been described as “disappointing and embarrassing” by Age Scotland.
The national charity for older people is calling for real action to be taken to solve this growing health crisis.
NHS Scotland reported that 47,302 days were spent in hospital by people whose discharge was delayed in October 2018, a 4 per cent increase compared to September 2018. This represents an average of 1,526 beds occupied per day – costing over £350,000 a day.
The majority are delayed by three days or more, with the most common reason being a lack of health and social care.
Delayed discharges cost the NHS an average of £234 per day or £1638 per week. This compares to local authority payments of £253 per week for personal and nursing care, which can offer preventative care and support.
Commenting on these figures, Brian Sloan, Age Scotland’s Chief Executive said: “These figures are disappointing and embarrassing. Delayed discharge figures have continued to rise for the last year and with no sign of a change in trajectory. Far too many older people are stuck in hospital far longer than they need to be which is just not good enough.
Each of these people stuck in hospital are at risk of infection, psychological distress and loss of strength and mobility. As you age, the longer you stay in hospital the less likely you’re able to leave it. We know of people who have phoned our free phone helpline to say they have family members waiting to leave hospital for months while others tell us they are put off going to hospital for fear of being stuck in the system.
How bad does it have to get for this to become a national priority? With our population ageing faster than the rest of the UK, it’s important we get to grips with this and identify better solutions to support older people’s recovery following a hospital visit. Older people shouldn’t be leaving hospital in a worse state than when they came in. The Scottish Government and NHS Scotland should treat this as a priority, and ensure social care is properly funded and staffed in order to turn this around.”
