Record numbers of Scots are currently being kept in hospitals despite being well enough to be discharged, due to a lack of ongoing care available. Public Health Scotland revealed that, on average, 2,000 individuals were unable to leave hospitals as there were no care home places or care packages ready for them to live independently. Data from August showed that 2,009 patients experienced delayed discharges with an average delay of four weeks, marking the highest figure since guidelines were adjusted in 2016. This issue has led to the loss of 62,003 bed days, impacting waiting times for non-emergency procedures.
The decrease in the number of care homes by 18% since 2014 has contributed to this problem. Public Health Scotland’s Care Home Census reported only 1,020 care homes in Scotland with 40,079 registered places, indicating a decrease of over 2,400 places in the past decade. Scottish Labour’s health spokeswoman, Jackie Baillie, criticised the SNP government, highlighting a 6.5% drop in planned operations and an increase in the number of patients waiting more than four hours in A&E to 40,794.
Concerns have been raised about the state of social care, as the capacity of care homes declines without adequate replacement from community services. Over 9,300 individuals in Scotland are waiting for a social care assessment or package to support independent living. Opposition has grown against the SNP’s National Care Service Bill, with criticism from trade unions, care providers, and NHS chiefs.
Jackie Baillie emphasised the urgent need to address delayed discharges and the struggling social care system, stating that the SNP’s focus on a new care service is misguided. Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP of the Liberal Democrats also blamed the SNP for the crisis in care services and advocated redirecting funds towards frontline services. The situation has prompted calls for immediate action to prevent further strain on the healthcare system and ensure timely access to care for those in need.