Main points

Number of people delayed

At the March 2024 census, there were 1,910 people delayed. This is similar to the number of people delayed compared to February 2024 (1,914) but greater than the January 2024 (1,860) and December 2023 (1,813) census figures.

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 March 2024 census.

Length of delay at census point

The average (median) length of delay for people delayed at the March 2024 census was 24 days. Compared to the previous three months, this is greater than February 2024 and January 2024 (22 days) and less than the 29 days reported in December 2023.

Average number of beds occupied per day

In March 2024 the average number of beds occupied per day due to people delayed in hospital was 1,892. This is higher than the previous three months with February 2024 (1,874), January 2024 (1,866) and December 2023 (1,879).

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 March 2021 to March 2024, 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 March 2024 there were 58,646 days spent in hospital by people whose discharge was delayed. This is a 9% increase on the number of delayed days in March 2023 (54,046).

Last updated: 06 June 2024
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