The Scottish Government hopes a £100million scheme designed to tackle delayed discharge will be the “biggest hospital in Scotland”.
Hospital at Home aims to provide hospital-level care without patients having to be admitted.
The country has struggled in recent years with high levels of delayed discharge – where patients are well enough to go home but other issues such as a lack of a social care package means they cannot be released.
October was the worst month on record for bed-blocking, while 2023-24 has been the worst year ever. The government’s £100million boost is aimed at increasing capacity to 2000 beds by the end of 2026.
Following a visit in Fife yesterday, social care minister Maree Todd said delayed discharge is a “key priority” for the Scottish Government.
She added: “Once someone has been assessed as well enough to be discharged from hospital, the best place for them to be is at home, supported by a bespoke care package.
“We have a plan to renew our NHS and the Budget’s record funding for the health service will ensure that 150,000 extra patients are treated, deliver additional support for GPs, and invest in new hospitals at Belford and Monklands.”
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