Delayed Discharges - Monthly Bed Days Occupied
type: Dataset
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.
issued: 2026-08-13T13:14:19.409557
modified: 2026-08-24T09:23:14.523200
version notes: Not assessed
contact point: Kind
contact point: Organization
theme: Health and Social Care
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: S08
geographical coverage: S12
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

https://admin.data.gov.scot/dataset/1835d257-176f-464e-888e-55af1e0f422a/resource/953141de-04e1-41f1-ab47-ede43a972909
type: Distribution
description: Data file for Delayed Discharges - Monthly Bed Days Occupied
format: CSV
issued: 2026-08-13T13:15:33.924522
modified: 2026-08-24T09:23:14.530000
table schema: Schema
  column: Column
    datatype: text
    name: Units
  column: Column
    datatype: text
    name: GeographyName
  column: Column
    datatype: text
    name: DateCode
  column: Column
    datatype: text
    name: Measurement
  column: Column
    datatype: text
    name: Age
  column: Column
    datatype: text
    name: GeographyType
  column: Column
    datatype: text
    name: GeographyCode
  column: Column
    datatype: int
    name: Value
  column: Column
    datatype: text
    name: Reason for Delay
access URL: https://admin.data.gov.scot/resource/953141de-04e1-41f1-ab47-ede43a972909/download
comment: Number of bed days occupied by hospital inpatients who are ready for discharge, but whose discharge has been delayed.
dictionary: Column
  column: GeographyType
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: GeographyName
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: Age
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: Units
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: Reason for Delay
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: Value
  type: int
dictionary: Column
  column: DateCode
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: GeographyCode
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: Measurement
  type: text

Public Health Scotland
type: Agent

Health and Social Care
type: Concept