Rise in hospital bed blocking cases in the Highlands
The total number of bed days occupied by delayed discharge patients in the Highlands has gone up during the latest quarter, new figures have revealed.
In January-March 2014, a total of 8,110 bed blocking days were used by delayed discharge patients, rising to 8,377 between April-June of this year.
Tory Highland MSP Mary Scanlon said it comes as bed blocking across Scotland has reached a four year high and despite constant promises from the SNP the problem would be eased.
In total there were 5,682 bed blocking days because of delayed discharge for standard patients and 2,695 days lost because of code nine patients.
Standard delayed discharge refers to a patient who clinically has been judged ready for discharge while code nine patients are those for whom the standard maximum delay is not applicable because of more complex needs.
Ms Scanlon said: "The SNP government need to start listening to local health boards and to work with them to address to problems they face.
"NHS Highland has to find huge savings this year and face serious challenges recruiting home carers.
"Rather than being financially punished, the health board need support from the Government to ensure that patients can get out of hospital and to their own home or a care home following an assessment for hospital discharge.
"There is no doubt that the independence referendum is the priority of the Nationalists, rather than patient care in Scotland.
"Bed blocking is bad for patients, bad for hospitals and the failure of the SNP to take action is an indictment on their management of the health service here in Scotland."
