Concerns over big rise in delayed discharge figures across Ayrshire

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Delayed discharge figures in Ayrshire and Arran have shot up by 38 per cent. Figures released by Public Health Scotland about the number of bed days occupied by delayed discharge continues to paint a bleak picture in the region.

The numbers have increased by 38 per cent in Ayrshire and Arran, between October 2021 and October 2022, meaning 6,438 bed days were occupied by patients otherwise ready to leave hospital- but couldn’t.

Delayed discharge is when a patient is medically cleared to go home but cannot leave hospital, often because a social care package is not in place, or there is a lack of places in care homes or sheltered housing.Across the region thousands of hours of assessed care is not being provided in homes because of a lack of carers.An increasing number of care home closures are also reducing the opportunities for older people to leave hospital if they require a care home place.South Scotland Labour List MSP Colin Smyth is demanding action.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now.Get all the local news in your area – plus features, football news and the latest on the coronavirus crisis – at your fingertips 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories while you can customise your page with the sections that matter to you.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now on iOS and Android.He said: “The monthly delayed discharge figures continue to paint a bleak picture for health boards.“Almost everyone knows of families who are dealing with this terrible situation.

It is getting worse.“Delayed discharge damages patients’ recovery, it drains precious funds from our NHS and is resulting in an enormous pressure on NHS staff caring for people who shouldn’t be in