The number of patients waiting for care home places has risen significantly over the last three years.
That’s according to figures highlighted by the Welsh Conservatives.
In April 2007, 11 people were being cared for in mental health facilities and hospitals while awaiting care home availability.
In April 2011 that figure had risen to 67; a rise of over 500 per cent.
Last July 124 people were waiting for places, compared to just five in July 2007.
Shadow Minister for Social Services, Janet Finch-Saunders AM, said: “These figures paint a very worrying picture of the wait for care homes in Wales.
“The huge inconvenience and suffering this places on patients and their families is both unwarranted and of great concern.
“It is also clear that the rising number of people waiting for a care home place is putting a huge strain on the NHS.
“At a time when the health budget is being cut by Labour, this will only make the problem worse for patients and staff alike.”
Shadow Minister for Health, Darren Millar AM, said: “These people are effectively left stranded in hospitals and other facilities while they wait for a care home.
“That’s grossly unfair on everyone, including the staff looking after them.
“No matter what situation some of our care homes may currently be dealing with, our number one concern has got to be patient welfare and the provision of high-quality care.
“Increasing numbers of people waiting for transfer does not reflect that.
“The Welsh Labour Government needs to look closely at this problem and make reducing these delays a priority.”
