Delayed Discharges - Monthly Census
Number of delays by length of delay and reason for delay at the monthly census point.
Data
Delayed Discharges - Monthly Census
Description
This publication provides monthly census snapshot position of hospital inpatients aged 18 and over, who are ready for discharge but whose discharge has been delayed. Figures are shown for NHS Board area of treatment and Local Authority.
Reasons for delay are: Health and Social Care reasons, Patient/Care/ Family related reasons and Code 9 (complex) reasons. The census figures include delays due to infection control measures in place at hospital or care home (delay reason codes 26X and 46X) from July 2016.
For further guidance please see the glossary.
Metadata
| Theme | Health and Social Care |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Public Health Scotland |
| License | UK Open Government Licence (OGL) |
| Published | |
| Last updated | |
| Next update | 1 Sep 2026 |
| Update frequency | monthly |
| Reference period | 2016 to 2026 |
| Geographic coverage | Health Board Areas, Council Areas, Country |
| Contact | phs.delayeddischarges@phs.scot |
Data quality
Completeness
It is the policy of PHS to make its web sites and products accessible according to published guidelines.
All delayed discharge reports are accessible via the PHS website. Tables and charts are presented within an interactive Excel workbook with drop down boxes.
Uniqueness
Not assessed
Consistency
Data are not comparable outwith Scotland.
Timeliness
Data are available for publication within six to eight weeks of the census month.
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.
Accuracy
The data are considered accurate. Data are validated locally by partnerships. PHS carry out further validation checks in consultation with NHS Boards.
Quality management
Data are validated locally by partnerships. PHS carry out further validation checks in consultation with NHS Boards.
Additional details
Revisions
Not assessed
Confidentiality policy
The PHS protocol on Statistical Disclosure Protocol is followed.