The latest delayed discharge figures published by NHS England show that figures remain at a record-breaking high for the fourth consecutive month. You can read our response below.
Vicky McDermott, Chair of the Care and Support Alliance said:
“Today’s figures show hospitals wards are still being used as an inadequate substitute for proper care in people’s homes. This is the fourth consecutive month that delayed discharge figures have been at record levels, a damming sign of how much pressure the NHS is under. This is also proof that this is no longer a one-off but a continuing trend in how the system is caring for some of society’s most vulnerable people.
“This winter, without emergency measures, health and care services will simply fail many of those that need them.
“Last year alone a lack of social care for patients wanting to leave hospital lost the NHS 650,000 bed days (2), costing up to £300 million (3).
“It is imperative that the Government now listens to the coalition of voices, including from members of their own party, who unanimously agree that to achieve ‘a country that works for everyone’ the funding crisis in social care must be urgently addressed.”
ENDS
1) Delayed Transfers of Care Data, October 2016
2) Delayed Transfers of Care Data 2016-17
