DELAYED DISCHARGES COULD CRIPPLE COUNCILS BUDGET-FINNIE

Written by Ross Finnie on Mon 8th Feb 2010

West of Scotland Liberal Democrat MSP Ross Finnie has asked Ministers to examine the damage increased numbers of Delayed Discharges could have on a Councils Budget.

Figures released last year by ISD Scotland showed that in October 2009 Renfrewshire had 46 Delayed Discharges with 19 with a duration of over 6 weeks, 17 of which related to a lack of funding. The cost to the Council of immediately placing these 17 patients would be £726,000 over the projected 2 year length of stay. The current full year cost of a nursing home place is £20,500. In the 2010-2011 Budget Renfrewshire Council have allocated £356,000 to boost the number of older people able to mover out of hospital and into care homes.

Commenting Mr Finnie said:

"While I was pleased to see Renfrewshire Council allocate some of there Budget to tackle Delayed Discharges, I am concerned the Scottish Government is not even aware of the problem Councils face in tackling Delayed Discharges.

"Renfrewshire Councils finances could be hard hit if Delayed Discharge figures exceed last years numbers the Council could be left facing a bill of nearly a million pounds.

"The Scottish Government has to examine this possible problem which could cripple the finances of several Councils across Scotland."

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