Bed blocking in the NHS is a serious problem. For example, it is estimated that in 2024, over 12,000 patients in England were in hospital who no longer needed to be there. Many of these are due to care planning delays and basic lack of adequate provision for suitable accommodation, but some are due to the patient’s refusal to leave.
This was highlighted in a recent legal case where the NHS applied to the court for a possession order. That was granted. The patient had been there for 18 months and from photos of her hospital bed had clearly settled in. With free meals and other facilities this might seem to be a comfortable life but is not medically sound. Long-term lack of physical activity is not good for any patient.
A full report on this case is present here: https://localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk/healthcare-law/174-healthcare-features/59982-bed-blocking-possession-orders-and-discharge-planning
Local Government Lawyer is a web site that reports on many interesting legal cases, particularly in local councils and other public bodies. It’s worth signing up for their free newsletter if you have an interest in such matters. With lawyers and legal decisions interfering more and more in our lives, which is much to be regretted, it’s worth keeping an eye on.
Roger Lawson (Twitter: https://x.com/RogerWLawson )
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Years ago hospitals had Almoners whose job it was to ensure that when patients were discharged from hospital they went to suitable accommodation and had proper support. These roles disappeared about 60 years ago as Officialdom took over.
Perhaps it’s time to bring them back. Ultimately they would save money and free up many beds.