The number Perth and Kinross patients suffering a delayed discharge from hospital has soared to record levels, new figures have revealed.
A report by ISD Scotland showed there were 2249 days lost to bed-blocking in the area in March, the last month for which statistics are available.
Delayed discharge occurs when a patient is fit to leave hospital, but can’t be discharged because they have nowhere to go.
The local figures are a significant increase on the previous month, when there were 1891 instances of patients being delayed.
Until now, the delayed discharge statistics in the area have not broken the 2000 mark in four years.
Six patients in the area have been delayed for more than three months, the report also revealed, including two who’ve languished in hospital for more than a year.
Scottish Conservative Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Liz Smith called for answers.
She said: “The Scottish Government has to explain why, after all its talk of addressing this situation, bed-blocking is at a record level in Perth and Kinross.
“People in the area will find it incredible that there were more than 2000 cases of this in just one month, and the problem seems to be getting worse. To have someone languishing in hospital for more than a year whilst fit to leave is simply unacceptable.
“Delayed discharge is a nightmare for patients, their families and hospitals themselves. It’s time the SNP properly addressed this problem in Perth and Kinross.”
Robert Packham, chief officer of the Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership, said tackling delayed discharge was the “top priority” of the Integrated Joint Board in Perth and Kinross.
He said: “Earlier this month the Perth and Kinross Integrated Joint Board approved a delayed discharge plan and allocated significant resources to tackle delayed discharges. This has led to an immediate reduction in people being delayed in the system.
“The board also approved a number of key service changes which will enable people to receive support either at home or within a homely setting.
“A commitment has been given to develop integrated care teams within Perth and Kinross at locality level with a number of GP practices already receiving this type of enhanced care support for their patients.
“The board has been working closely with acute services in Perth Royal Infirmary to identify key improvements both in hospital and community settings, which will continue to support the partnership to reduce the numbers of people being delayed or inappropriately admitted.”
