Bed-blocking is on the rise in Lanarkshire wards

BED Blocking in Lanarkshire hospitals is on the increase, according to new figures, and the Scottish Conservatives are calling for action.
Bed-blocking...is a problem at Wishaw General HospitalBed-blocking...is a problem at Wishaw General Hospital
Bed-blocking...is a problem at Wishaw General Hospital

South Lanarkshire Councillor Graham Simpson this week highlighted the latest figures.

These show that between January and March this year a total of 12,617 bed days were used up by delayed discharge patients, rising to 13,691 between April and June.

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Councillor Simpson commented: “Bed blocking across Scotland has reached a four year high, despite constant promises from the SNP the problem would be eased.

“There were 11,499 bed days lost because of delayed discharge for standard patients and 2,192 days used up because of code nine patients.”

Standard delayed discharge refers to a patient who has been judged clinically ready for discharge while code nine patients are those for whom the standard maximum delay is not applicable because of more complex needs.

Councillor Simpson added: “The Scottish Conservatives have continually urged the SNP to take immediate action to address the growing problem across Scotland’s hospitals.

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“Bed blocking is bad for patients and bad for hospitals. The failure of the SNP to take action is an indictment on their management of the health service here in Scotland.

“The problem of delayed discharge is a serious issue in South Lanarkshire.”

For more on this, pick up a copy of this week’s Carluke and Lanark Gazette