Statistics revealed from ISD Scotland have shown that the number of bed days occupied by delayed discharge patients has increased substantially in the past year.
In Mid-Scotland and Fife, between January and March 2013 there were 8,922 bed days lost due to bed blocking a figure which rose to 9,730 in the same period of 2014, a rise of 9%.
Commenting Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said:
“These statistics show that the problem of delayed discharges is only getting worse in Fife, Perth and Kinross, Clackmannanshire and Stirling.
“All four local authority areas experienced a significant increase in bed days lost due to delayed discharges from last year; 9% in Fife, 3.3% in Perth and Kinross, 14% in Stirling and 51% in Clackmannanshire.
“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.”