- The NHS spent more than £100 million in one year on mental health patients who remained in hospital beds due to a lack of appropriate housing.
- A report found that patients awaiting supported housing accounted for 23 per cent of all mental health delayed discharge days in February 2026.
- These housing-related delays led to 121,695 additional hospital bed days in 2024/25, costing the NHS approximately £102 million.
- Experts warn that compelling clinically ready patients to remain in hospital incurs a “huge cost to both individuals and the NHS” and can trigger relapse and readmission.
- Organisations are calling for supported housing to be recognised and funded as core mental health infrastructure to improve patient outcomes and reduce pressure on hospitals.
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