MSP highlights impact of delayed discharge in NHS Lanarkshire

dailyrecord.co.uk:

More than 67,000 bed days in NHS Lanarkshire were lost to delayed discharge during 2022-23, as figures across Scotland reached their highest-ever rate.Patients spent a combined total of 67,388 extra days in the area’s hospitals while awaiting arrangements for ongoing social care – and Central Scotland politician Monica Lennon says the issue is “piling pressure on hospitals” and estimates the local cost at almost £20 million.Health board officials say that last year was “very challenging” but that “significant improvements” have since been made through the Operation Flow initiative which has reduced hospital occupancy and length of stay, while new teams supporting early discharge and wraparound care have been established.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android New figures from Public Health Scotland (PHS) for the 12 months to March 31 this year show that NHS Lanarkshire’s number of delayed discharge days for adults aged 18+ was the fourth-highest of Scotland’s 14 health boards – with the nationwide total of 661,705 days being “the highest annual figure reported” and an increase of 22 per cent on the previous year.

The report noted that 82 per cent of the delays in the local health board were caused by awaiting completion of care arrangements, while the total of 16 per cent for “complex delays” was the