Delayed discharges in NHSScotland monthly
Figures for September 2021
A National Statistics publication for Scotland
- Published
- 02 November 2021
- Type
- Statistical report
- Author
- Public Health Scotland
About this release
This release by Public Health Scotland (PHS) provides a monthly update on the number of hospital bed days associated with delayed discharges and the number of discharges from hospital that followed a period of delay. Information is also provided on the number of people experiencing a delay in discharge from hospital at the monthly census point. The data relate to people aged 18 years and over who were clinically ready for discharge.
Main points
- In September 2021, there were 48,436 days spent in hospital by people whose discharge was delayed. This is an increase of 47% compared with the number of delayed days in September 2020 (32,959).
- In September 2021, the average number of beds occupied per day due to delayed discharges was 1,615 which is becoming consistent with pre-pandemic figures. This is an increase of 8% compared to August 2021 when the daily average was 1,489.
- At the September 2021 census point, there were 1,576 people delayed. This is an increase of 8% compared to the August 2021 census point when 1,461 people were delayed.
- Of those delayed at the September 2021 census point, 1,340 people were delayed more than three days, with health and social care reasons accounting for 936 delays (70%), complex needs accounting for 365 delays (27%) and patient and family-related reasons for 39 delays (3%).
Background
Timely discharge from hospital is an important indicator of quality and is a marker for person-centred, effective, integrated and harm-free care. A delayed discharge occurs when a hospital patient who is clinically ready for discharge from inpatient hospital care continues to occupy a hospital bed beyond the date they are ready for discharge.
The average number of beds occupied per day is calculated by dividing the total monthly number of delayed discharge bed days by the number of days in the calendar month. PHS considers this daily average a better statistic for comparing month on month differences as the number of days in a month varies. The percentage change is based on rounded figures.
Delayed discharge figures in NHSScotland have been affected by measures put in place to respond to COVID-19. The marked fall in delayed discharges during 2020 is likely to be due to patients being moved out of hospital to increase capacity.
The census figure reflects the position as at the last Thursday of the month.
The latest data definitions and national data requirements came into effect on 1 July 2016.
It should be noted that figures presented in this publication are not directly comparable with other UK countries, due to differences in definitions and data reporting.
Further information
For further information on delayed discharges see the delayed discharge section of our website. For related topics, please see the health and social community care (external website) pages.
A selection of information from this publication is included in NHS Performs.
The next release of this publication will be 7 December 2021.
General enquiries
If you have an enquiry relating to this publication, please email phs.delayeddischarges@phs.scot.
Media enquiries
If you have a media enquiry relating to this publication, please contact the Communications and Engagement team.
Requesting other formats and reporting issues
If you require publications or documents in other formats, please email phs.otherformats@phs.scot.
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Older versions of this publication
Versions of this publication released before 16 March 2020 may be found on the Data and Intelligence, Health Protection Scotland or Improving Health websites.