Main points

Number of people delayed

At the January 2025 census, there were 1,969 people delayed. Compared to the previous three census points, this is higher than December 2024 (1,890) and lower than November 2024 (2,020) and October 2024 (2,030).

The number of people delayed varies across the Local Authorities. Chart 4 in the All delay reasons workbook shows the variation in the rate of delays per population at the January 2025 census.

Length of delay at census point

The average (median) length of delay for people delayed at the January 2025 census was 22 days. This is the less than December and November 2024 (both 29 days) as well as October 2024 (28 days).

Average number of beds occupied per day

In January 2025 the average number of beds occupied per day due to people delayed in hospital was 1,964. Compared to the previous three months, this is less than December 2024 (1,991), November 2024 (2,023) and October 2024 (2,029).

The chart below shows that the trend in the average daily number of beds occupied by people delayed in their discharge is predominantly driven by the trend in standard delays (health and social care and patient, family and carer related) reasons.

Image caption Delayed Discharge bed use in Scotland from January 2022 to January 2025, by delay reason1

1 Further information on the Delay Reason definitions is available in the Definitions we use section of this publication.

Delayed days in hospital

In January 2025 there were 60,872 days spent in hospital by people whose discharge was delayed. This is a 5% increase on the number of delayed days in January 2024 (57,860).

Last updated: 21 February 2025
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