Delayed discharge numbers remain high

A new National Audit Office report reveals that on any given day
more than 4,000 people over 75 who are fit enough to leave hospital
are unable to do so.

The research found that 4,100 people over 75 were unable to
leave hospital in September 2002, but that this was less than the
5,700 figure from 12 months ago.

Under the
Community Care (Delayed Discharges etc) Bill, social services
departments will be charged £100, or £120 in London and
the south-east, for every person aged over 75 whose discharge is
delayed because care has not been arranged in the community.

‘Ensuring the effective discharge of older patients from NHS
acute hospitals’ available
here