Figures released from the statistical agency, ISD Scotland, have shown that between April 2013 and December 2013 77,346 bed days were taken up by delayed discharge patients in NHS Tayside, Fife and Forth Valley.
Delayed discharge occurs when a patient is fit and able to leave hospital, but has nowhere to go, such as a care home or supported living accommodation.
For the last quarter in 2013 both Tayside and Forth Valley recorded an increase of 1,140 and 1,031 in blocked beds compared to the previous quarter.
Scotland wide figures showed that bed blocking has hit its worst level since the turn of the decade and Murdo Fraser has called on the SNP Government to do something to stop the problem from getting any worse.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said:
“These statistics show that the problem of delayed discharges is only getting worse in NHS Tayside, Fife and Forth Valley.
“During the period between October and December last year both NHS Tayside and Forth Valley recorded a significant increase in the number of bed days lost to patients who were fit enough to leave hospital, but unfortunately had nowhere to go.
“Being made to stay in hospital because you have no suitable accommodation can be a distressing and frustrating experience and one that also places a huge strain on hospital managers.
“Our health service is facing a number of challenges and the problem of hospital bed shortages is being exacerbated by delayed discharges. The Scottish Government must act now to prevent the situation getting out of control.”