Half of Scots with urgent complex needs ‘in hospital due to delayed discharge’
Nearly half of the most vulnerable Scots with learning disabilities who are in hospital are there due to delayed discharge, figures have shown.
Data from Public Health Scotland showed that of the 318 people with complex care needs classified as urgent, 157 were in hospital.
Of these, 74 were there due to delayed discharge, which means they are clinically ready to leave but cannot go, usually due to a lack of social care.
Overall, there are an estimated 1,264 people on local dynamic support registers, a system of support funded by the NHS and local authorities that helps Scots with learning disabilities and complex care.
Some 45 people from that group were recorded being in an inappropriate out-of-area placement. This happens when the person or their family did not choose the placement, but it happened due to a lack of resources or accommodation.
Some 116 people were recorded as at risk of support breakdown, meaning the person’s living situation has become unsuitable.
Scottish Labour said the figures showed the continued issue of delayed discharge in Scotland.
Jackie Baillie, the party’s health spokesperson at Holyrood, said: “This is another reminder that the SNP Government has failed to tackle delayed discharge, meaning that vulnerable people are stuck in hospital rather than being able to return to a place they can call home.
“Scottish Labour will tackle delayed discharge by creating step-down beds and extra care packages so that those with learning disabilities and complex needs get the support they need.”
Mental Wellbeing Secretary Tom Arthur said: “It is encouraging to see a continuing reduction in the number of inappropriate out of area placements – more than half in a little over a year – and a 13.6% reduction in the overall number of people with learning disabilities and complex care needs on the support register.
“This is a step in the right direction but more needs to be done to support people in hospital, their families, and staff. This must balance a national focus with strong local leadership.
“I am determined to deliver the changes that are evidently required for people with learning disabilities.
“Coming Home is a priority for the Scottish Government, this is why we have provided additional support and £20 million investment to health and social care partnerships to deliver improvements.”