Scottish Labour MSP Neil Bibby has warned that delayed discharge in West Scotland is “piling pressure on hospitals” as a new report reveals the issue cost NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde £38,808,990 in 2022/23.
Delayed discharge figures monitor the number of days patients spend in hospital despite being fit to leave, typically because of a lack of social care services in their area.
Over the course of the year, a total of 132, 862 bed days in NHSGGC were lost to delayed discharge, as rates across Scotland hit a record high.
This includes 7,006 bed days in Renfrewshire.
Analysis by Scottish Labour has revealed that the approximate cost of delayed discharge to NHSGGC in 2022/23 was an eye-watering £38,808,990.
Scottish Labour West of Scotland, MSP Neil Bibby said “Delayed discharge in this area is piling pressure on our hospitals and threatening patients’ recovery.
“Our NHS is at breaking point and every penny matters, and it is a scandal that NHSGGC has been forced to foot an almost £40 million bill for SNP incompetence.
“Social care is crying out for help, but the SNP’s botched National Care Service plans will do nothing but centralise local services.
“The Scottish Government must support social care services in West Scotland, and increase pay for the sector’s dedicated workers, so no-one is left languishing in hospital waiting for a care package.”
Cost per bed day is estimated at £292.10 by adjusting the most recent estimated cost for inflation using the SPICe real terms calculator.