Tayside elderly hospital readmissions highest in Scotland
Older people in Tayside are more likely to be readmitted to hospital within a month of being discharged than anywhere else in Scotland, according to latest figures.
- By Maura Bowman
- Published in the Courier : 21.12.11
- Published online : 21.12.11 @ 05.03pm
Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon revealed that in the year to the end of March, 2,292 Tayside medical patients over the age of 65 had to return as inpatients within 28 days.
At 14.4%, the Tayside readmission rate was the highest in Scotland, and appreciably more than the national average of 11.9%.
At 10.7%, Fife had one of the lowest medical readmission rates in the country.
Ms Sturgeon provided the information in response to a parliamentary question from MSP Alison McInnes, who said the figures could suggest ''a lack of support for elderly people out in the community, who then end up being readmitted to hospital.''
An NHS Tayside spokeswoman said: ''We work very closely with patients themselves, local authorities, GPs and voluntary sector prior to discharge to ensure patients are assessed and have appropriate support at home or appropriate support can be provided by our partners.''
An NHS Fife spokeswoman said: ''The readmission rate reflects the close working that takes place in Fife between the acute hospitals, community hospitals, community health care teams, social care and the voluntary sector to ensure an appropriate level of community support is available to patients and their carers upon discharge from hospital.''
Rona Laing, head of older people's services at Fife Council, said: ''It is important that we continue to reduce the number of delayed discharges in Fife but it's also extremely important to make sure we have the support in place before someone comes out of hospital.
''To this end, we have been working very closely with our partners to support people in the community to make sure they are well equipped and ready to return to their homes.''
11.00pm - 21.12.2011 Jane Roberts - Dundee, UK Report This
Ninewells is quick to discharge elderly patients from the hospital back to the community without fixing the problems they went into hospital with! My grandmother was admitted 4 times into hospital by her exasperated GP due to the hospital failing to diagnose her serious problems the first 3 times!
12.26pm - 22.12.2011 Kerry Stewart - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Why does this not surprise me??? The treatment that is provided at Ninewells is really poor. They sent my great gran home with a chest infection, without treatment as they "needed the bed for people who were actually ill" and she ended up back in a few weeks later. It is ridiculous!
07.38pm - 22.12.2011 Mary Lomond - Dundee, UK Report This
Ninewells should be fined for every patient that is readmitted within 28days with the same medical condition!! Quite frankly sending elderly sick people back home so they can just clear beds is outrageous! I feel for the community nurses/GPs/carers who have to pick up the pieces!
10.30pm - 23.12.2011 BudIce - Edinburgh, UK Report This
These figures on there own are almost meaningless. Average length of stay figures aren't quoted. If I was in for surgery I would rather get home ASAP to avoid a hospital stay and complications eg infections, but given instructions to come back if unwell. Best to be home to recover.
Add a comment