Delayed discharge figures decrease but SNP still ‘miles off’ promise, Tories say

The Scottish Government has been told it remains “miles off” off its years-long promise to eradicate delayed discharge.

Figures from Public Health Scotland showed 1,867 people were delayed at the December census, a drop of 2,009 from the month before.

The Scottish Conservatives said that despite the fall the figures remained “atrocious”.

The average length of delay rose by slightly to 28 days in December, up one from November.

Meanwhile, the average number of beds occupied due to delayed discharge stood at 1,967 in December – less than the 1,972 figure recorded the month prior.

Dr Sandesh Gulhane, the Tory health spokesman, said: “These atrocious figures confirm the SNP are still miles off from delivering on their promise to eradicate delayed discharge.

“Shona Robison made this pledge more than a decade ago, but on the SNP’s watch it’s becoming the shocking norm for almost 2,000 Scots to be stuck in hospital wards each month.

“These delays take an enormous toll on patients’ physical and mental health as well as triggering a domino effect across the health service.

“That is putting even more pressure on frontline staff and is costing taxpayers up to £440 million each year.

“John Swinney and Neil Gray cannot ignore this crisis any longer.

“He should show some common sense and adopt our Fast Track to Care proposal which would reduce delayed discharge, free up desperately needed hospital capacity and bring down waiting times.”

Dame Jackie Bailie, deputy leader of Scottish Labour, said: “Behind these figures are vulnerable Scots stuck in limbo and families worrying about their loved ones in the run-up to Christmas.

“The SNP’s negligence has caused a social care crisis and hospitals are seeing the knock-on effects.

“Scottish Labour will create more social care packages so hospitals can run smoothly and everyone has a safe place to call home.”

The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.