The Care and Support Alliance responds to the delayed discharge figures published by NHS England.
Vicky McDermott, Chair of the Care and Support Alliance, said:
“Today’s figures are another indication of how much pressure our health and social care system is under.
“There is no plan on how to stop the ever increasing problem of people being left in hospital, which delays patient’s recovery and costs the NHS millions. This is a national crisis.
“On Tuesday, a report by the National Audit Office (3) showed the Government’s plan to integrate health and care is not working. The Government urgently needs a plan, backed up with funding, to fix the crisis in our care system.
“A lack of social care means more people are going to A&E, and a third of delayed discharge is caused by social care not being in place. Undoubtedly the funding crisis in social care is heaping needless pressure onto on over stretch NHS.
“Last year alone we saw the NHS losing 650,000 bed days (1), costing the up to £300 million (2).
“The Government needs to urgently address people’s care needs and fill the gap in social care funding.”
Note to Editors
1 .Delayed Transfers of Care Data 2016-17 https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/06/July-16-DTOC-SPN.pdf
3. National Audit Office report: https://www.nao.org.uk/press-release/health-and-social-care-integration/
The Care and Support Alliance represents more than 90 of Britain’s leading charities campaigning alongside the millions of older people, disabled people and their carers who deserve decent care
