Delayed Discharges - Monthly Bed Days Occupied
type: Dataset
conforms to: http://mlcommons.org/croissant/1.0
contact point: ContactPoint
date modified: 2026-08-24T09:23:14.523200
date published: 2026-08-13T13:14:19.409557
description: This publication provides monthly information on the number of bed days occupied by hospital inpatients who are ready for discharge but whose discharge has been delayed. Figures are shown for Scotland, NHS Board area of treatment and Local Authority of residence for patients aged 18 and over.
accuracy: The data are considered accurate. Data are validated locally by partnerships. PHS carry out further validation checks in consultation with NHS Boards.
comment: Number of bed days occupied by hospital inpatients who are ready for discharge, but whose discharge has been delayed.
completeness: It is the policy of PHS to make its web sites and products accessible according to [published guidelines](https://publichealthscotland.scot/accessibility-statement-for-public-health-scotland/). All delayed discharge reports are accessible via the [PHS website](https://www.publichealthscotland.scot/our-areas-of-work/social-and-community-care/delayed-discharges/publications/). Tables and charts are presented within an interactive Excel workbook with drop down boxes.
confidentiality: The [PHS protocol](https://www.publichealthscotland.scot/media/21716/2023-08-24-phs-statistical-disclosure-control-protocol-v21.pdf) on Statistical Disclosure Protocol is followed.
consistency: Data are not comparable outwith Scotland.
geographical coverage: S12
geographical coverage: S08
geographical coverage: S92
license id: uk-ogl
next update: 2026-09-01
quality management: Data are validated locally by partnerships. PHS carry out further validation checks in consultation with NHS Boards.
reference period: PeriodOfTime
  end date: 2026
  start date: 2016
timeliness: Data are available for publication within six to eight weeks of the census month.
uniqueness: Not assessed
update frequency: monthly
validity: Key uses of delayed discharge information include monitoring policy obligations both locally and nationally, helping to troubleshoot in partnership areas with specific problems, facilitating benchmarking with other areas, identifying the potential release of resources to focus on more appropriate care and providing useful dialogue between health and social care agencies. Delayed discharge information is also used to respond to information requests (including FOI requests) from a variety of customers and parliamentary questions.
will be updated: true
included in data catalog: CKAN
keywords: Health and Social Care
license: https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/
record set: records

Public Health Scotland
type: Organization
contact point: ContactPoint
  contact type: customer service

Reason for Delay
type: Field
data type: Text
source:
  extract:
    column: Reason for Delay

https://admin.data.gov.scot/dataset/1835d257-176f-464e-888e-55af1e0f422a/resource/953141de-04e1-41f1-ab47-ede43a972909
type: FileObject
description: Data file for Delayed Discharges - Monthly Bed Days Occupied
comment: Number of bed days occupied by hospital inpatients who are ready for discharge, but whose discharge has been delayed.
dictionary: Column
  column: Age
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: Units
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: Reason for Delay
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: Measurement
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: Value
  type: int
dictionary: Column
  column: GeographyType
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: GeographyCode
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: DateCode
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: GeographyName
  type: text
encoding format: CSV

GeographyType
type: Field
data type: Text
source:
  extract:
    column: GeographyType

GeographyCode
type: Field
data type: Text
source:
  extract:
    column: GeographyCode

GeographyName
type: Field
data type: Text
source:
  extract:
    column: GeographyName

Value
type: Field
data type: Integer
source:
  extract:
    column: Value

Units
type: Field
data type: Text
source:
  extract:
    column: Units

Measurement
type: Field
data type: Text
source:
  extract:
    column: Measurement

DateCode
type: Field
data type: Text
source:
  extract:
    column: DateCode

Age
type: Field
data type: Text
source:
  extract:
    column: Age