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.
