Recent figures have shown that real progress is being made in dealing with the problem of delayed transfers of care in Wales.
Figures released by the Welsh Government show that delayed transfers of care – otherwise known as bed-blocking – continue to fall in Wales.
A delayed transfer of care is experienced by a patient who is ready to leave hospital for their the next stage of care – possibly in a community hospital, their own home or a care home – but is unable to do so. Delays mean patients spend more time in hospital, which can have detrimental effects on their long-term wellbeing and independence and has increased costs for the NHS.
The latest figures show the length of time patients who are delayed in hospital has also fallen by a third since January 2010 and is now at one of its lowest levels in the last five years.
Jeff Cuthbert AM said:
“Behind each of these figures is a real success story for the Welsh NHS. Making sure that people are being cared for in the appropriate makes a real difference. Patients do not want to remain in a hospital setting which can be inappropriate for their needs. The improvements also mean resources can be devoted to patients who do require hospital care.
“These reductions are a result of the Welsh Government investing in health and social care in Wales unlike in England where social care budgets have been raided by the Tories and delayed transfers of care are rocketing.
“These figures show that contrary to David Cameron’s claims, hard work in the NHS in Wales is paying off. This is having a positive impact on patients with complex needs returning to their communities for treatment and reducing the amount of time spent in hospital.”
