, one of the busiest hospitals in Scotland, is a prime example of the problems facing the NHS.It has 876 beds but on the day we visited 137 were occupied by patients who were clinically ready to be discharged. That is almost one in six beds taken up by someone who could be sent home or moved to care elsewhere if suitable support was available.Data suggests the picture is similar across the country with about 1,800 of Scotland's hospital beds occupied by patients who could be discharged.Fay Rosine is one of those patients who was delayed leaving hospital because she needed a package of care to help her live independently at home.The 79-year-old ,from Prestonpans, was in ERI for four weeks after she fainted in the shower at her home and spent the night on the floor of the cubicle.Her neighbour raised the alarm but it was the window cleaner who found her and called an ambulance to take her to A&E. Fay was treated for the cuts and bruises from her fall as well as her blood pressure and diabetes.However, she could not go home because she needed to work with physiotherapists to improve her strength so she could tackle the stairs in her house. She would have also needed carers to come in regularly to provide assistance."I don't like depending on people," she said. "I've always been an independent person but I know I can't go back to being totally independent."Fay eventually moved into assisted living accommodation because her house was unsuitable. Most hospitals in Scotland face issues getting people out when they are medically ready to go home. Figures for July and August 2022 showed the highest average number of beds occupied due to delayed discharge since guidance came into place in 2016.And th){kind=link}
Record numbers of people are experiencing long waits in emergency departments because hospital beds are full and doctors are struggling to get patients out.
Edinburgh Royal Infirmary (ERI), one of the busiest hospitals in Scotland, is a prime example of the problems facing the NHS.
It has 876 beds but on the day we visited 137 were occupied by patients who were clinically ready to be discharged.
That is almost one in six beds taken up by someone who could be sent home or moved to care elsewhere if suitable support was available.
Data suggests the picture is similar across the country with about 1,800 of Scotland’s hospital beds occupied by patients who could be discharged.