How much did delayed hospital discharges for dementia patients cost the NHS?

Delayed hospital discharges for dementia patients cost the NHS an estimated £328 million and nearly 585,000 bed days last year.

What are the consequences of delayed discharge for dementia patients?

Consequences include prolonged stays in hospitals, which can cause complications like infections and falls, and worsen cognitive function, alongside exacerbating NHS system bottlenecks and A&E waits.

What is being done to address dementia discharge delays?

Efforts include joining up NHS and social care through Neighbourhood Health Teams, backing adult social care with a £4.6 billion funding boost, and developing the first-ever Modern Service Framework for Frailty and Dementia.

Home / Health / Dementia Delays Cost NHS £328M

Dementia Delays Cost NHS £328M

29 Jan

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Summary

Dementia patients stayed in hospital an extra week, costing £328 million.
Half a million bed days were lost last year due to these delays.
This 'bed-blocking' worsens A&E waits and hampers treatment.

Last year, delays in discharging dementia patients from hospitals cost the NHS an estimated £328 million and accounted for nearly 585,000 wasted bed days. Analysis shows that a significant portion of patients aged 65 and over, deemed medically fit to leave hospital, had dementia. These prolonged stays, often due to insufficient post-discharge support, create critical bottlenecks within the healthcare system.

The impact extends beyond financial costs, exacerbating long waits in emergency departments and obstructing efforts to clear patient backlogs. For individuals with dementia, remaining in an unfamiliar hospital environment can lead to complications such as infections, falls, and worsening cognitive function. This situation is particularly concerning as the UK faces ongoing winter pressures on its health services.

Alzheimer's Society highlights that tackling these discharge delays is crucial for alleviating winter pressures. The charity advocates for improved dementia care and support, emphasizing that early diagnosis and accessible services can prevent hospital admissions. The government is reportedly developing a new blueprint for dementia health and social care, the Modern Service Framework, aiming to set national standards and improve care quality.