Publication: Delayed discharges - audit scope

Delayed discharges in Scotland have been a longstanding challenge in the health and social care system. Delayed discharge bed days reflect how long people are kept in hospital once they are clinically ready to leave. Public Health Scotland reported that in the financial year ending 31 March 2024, people who were delayed from being discharged spent 666,190 days in hospital, marking the highest annual figure reported and an increase from previous years. The reasons for the high rates of delayed discharges are complex and reflect the need for a well functioning, integrated health and social care system.

In 2023, the Scottish Government announced a comprehensive plan and initiatives with partners to address delayed discharges and improve hospital occupancy rates. Despite the introduction of the initiatives, delayed discharges remain a significant challenge and continue to rise.

This audit will provide an independent assessment of how effective the current arrangements to address delayed discharges are, by looking at leadership, governance, and the levels and quality of integration. The audit will analyse the impact the initiatives put in place by Scottish Government, Integration Authorities, NHS Boards and Councils are having to reduce delayed discharges. It will highlight areas of good practice and, where appropriate, make recommendations for public bodies to implement that will support improvement. We plan to publish the report on behalf of the Auditor General and the Accounts Commission in January 2025.