Press Releases

• At the October 2004 census there were 1,109 patients ready for discharge for more than six weeks (the common period for discharge planning agreement across Scotland), some 247 fewer (-18.2%) than the number at October 2003 and 21 fewer (-1.9%) than at July 2004.
• The main reasons for delay for those patients who had been ready for discharge for over six weeks (see background note 4):-
  • 393 had been awaiting place availability in a care home (a nursing home or a residential home), 14 fewer (-3.4%) than the number at October 2003 but 47 more (+13.6%) than at July 2004.
  • 127 had a principal reason of non-availability of public funding (for a care home place), 148 fewer (-53.8%) than the number at October 2003 and 62 fewer (-32.8%) than at July 2004.
  • 101 had a principal reason in the category Community Care Assessment, 58 fewer (-36.5%) than the number at October 2003 and 19 fewer (-15.8%) than at July 2004.
  • 127 were exercising statutory right of choice, 20 fewer (-13.6%) than the number at October 2003 but 18 more (+16.5%) than at July 2004.
  • 93 had a legal or financial principal reason, 1 fewer (-1.1%) than the number at October 2003 and 19 fewer (-17.0%) than at July 2004.
  • 63 had a principal reason in the category healthcare assessment/arrangements, 4 fewer (-6.0%) than the number at October 2003 but 4 more (+6.8%) than at July 2004.
• There was a total (including patients ready for discharge within six weeks) of 1,908 patients ready for discharge in Scotland at the October 2004 census, 13.7% fewer than at October 2003 and 1.2% fewer than at July 2004.
• Figures for the numbers of patients ready for discharge, principal reasons and duration vary by NHS board and by Local Authority.

1. This publication is released on the ISD Scotland website, address as follows:
   
   http://www.isdscotland.org/delayed_discharges
   
2. It is intended that the figures will help provide an insight into characteristics of patients ready for discharge and it is hoped that the information will be of assistance to all agencies involved in the treatment and management of patients.
   
   

   The figures are derived from the national census carried out on or around 15 October 2004 and are the seventeenth published results of joint working between ISD Scotland, NHS Boards and Local Authorities.
   
   Figures include numbers of patients ready for discharge, reasons and duration and are shown at the level of NHS Board area and Local Authority.
   
   Information on earlier censuses are also available on the above website.
   
3. A summary definition of "ready for discharge" is "an inpatient whose move onto the next stage of care is delayed for non-clinical reasons".
   
4. The figures shown in the table are based on the main reasons for delay at the census point. The main reason for delay for any one patient can change over time.
   
5. The next release will contain information from the January 2005 census and is expected to be published in March 2005.
   
6. This is an ISD Scotland National Statistics release.  National Statistics are produced to high professional standards and adhere to codes of practice.  They undergo regular quality assurance reviews to ensure that they meet customer needs and they are produced free from any political interference.
   
7. ISD Scotland collects, collates and maintains a wide range of statistical information, mainly concerning health and health services.  By providing information, statistical services and effective use of information management and technology, ISD Scotland contributes to health improvement by informing decision making, research and debate within NHSScotland, partner organising, government departments and others.  Information Services (ISD Scotland) is part of the NHS National Services Scotland for NHS Scotland.  For more information about ISD Scotland see the ISD Scotland website:    http://www.isdscotland.org.

Further information is available from:

Main contact: Amy McKeon

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