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Patients Ready for Discharge (Delayed Discharges) from NHS hospitals in Scotland - January 2006 census figures

The latest quarterly statistics are published today (28 February 2006) by ISD Scotland at:

http://www.isdscotland.org/delayed_discharges

Key points include:

  • At the January 2006 census there were 778 patients ready for discharge for more than six weeks (the common period for discharge planning across Scotland), some 181 fewer (-18.9%) than the number at January 2005, this is 97 fewer than at October 2005.
  • The main reasons for delay (see background note 3) for those patients who had been ready for discharge for over six weeks are:
    • 333 had been awaiting place availability in a care home (a nursing home or a residential home), 73 fewer (-18.0%) than the number at January 2005 and 29 fewer than at October 2005.
    • 121 had a principal reason of non-availability of public funding (for a care home place), 1 fewer (-0.8%) than the number at January 2005 and 18 fewer than at October 2005.
    • 108 had a principal reason in the category awaiting Community Care Assessment, 19 fewer (-15.0%) than the number at January 2005 however 17 more than at October 2005.
    • 58 were exercising statutory right of choice, 65 fewer (-52.8%) than the number at January 2005 and 38 fewer than at October 2005.
    • 43 had a principal reason in the category awaiting healthcare assessment/ arrangements, this is the same as at January 2005 and 3 fewer than at October 2005.
    • 24 had a legal or financial principal reason, 17 fewer (-41.5%) than the number at January 2005 and 7 fewer than at October 2005.
  • There was a total (including patients ready for discharge within six weeks) of 1,488 patients ready for discharge in Scotland at the January 2006 census, 180 fewer (-10.8%) than at January 2005; 88 fewer than at October 2005.
  • Figures for the numbers of patients ready for discharge, principal reasons and duration vary by NHS board and by Local Authority Partner.

Background

1. Changes to definition of delayed discharges.

ISD in conjunction with Scottish Executive and health and local authority partners at local level has been reviewing the application of the definition as to what constitutes a 'delayed discharge' and presentation of the census data. Arising from this, three revisions have been made to the present publication. These are:

The principal reason codes 24DX, 24EX and 42X (awaiting place or bed availability where no appropriate facilities exist) have been taken out from the census total and are shown separately as a supplement to the report. In total this affects 29 cases at the time of the January 2006 census.

Principal reason code 33 (change in patients health circumstances) has been taken out from the census total and is reported on separately. In total this affects 18 cases at the time of the January 2006 census.

Principal reason code 51X (Adults with Incapacity Act) has also been taken out from the census total and is reported on separately. In total this affects 183 cases at the time of the January 2006 census.

While these data items have been taken out from the census total and headline trends in the current publication, ISD continues to collect and report on these items separately.

2. A summary definition of 'ready for discharge' is 'an inpatient whose move onto the next stage of care is delayed for non-clinical reasons'.

3. The figures shown 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.

4. The next release will contain information from the April 2006 census and is expected to be published in May 2006.

5. 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.

6. 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 organisations, 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

Amy McKeon
ISD Scotland
Tel:   0131 275 6559 (direct)
e-mail: amy.mckeon@isd.csa.scot.nhs.uk


Main contact: Email Amy McKeon