Commenting on new NHS England figures published today (Thursday), highlighting the scale of delayed discharges from hospitals, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said:
“Continuous cuts to social care budgets are the reason why many people have to stay longer in hospital than they should.
“The problem is getting worse, not better. Already this year there have been 92,000 more days of hold-ups than there were in the previous year.
“The government must see that the UK needs more care provision as people are living longer and have increasingly complex needs.
“Hospitals are constantly hamstrung because they can’t discharge patients where no care exists in the community. Without further investment the problem will get worse and patients will be left in limbo not knowing when they might get out of hospital.”
Media contacts:
Alan Weaver T: 0207 121 5555 M: 07939 143310 E: a.weaver@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen T: 0207 121 5463 M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes T: 0207 121 5255 M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk