SASW warns public service reform will not ease delayed discharge
Delayed discharge has become one of the most prominent debates about the future of health and social care in Scotland. It is increasingly cited as evidence that services are fragmented and that stronger central control is needed to improve outcomes.
SASW and Social Work Scotland have issued a joint briefing to MSPs and the Scottish Government making clear that investment in the workforce is paramount if we are serious about reducing delayed discharge across Scotland.
Workforce shortages, limited community support, housing constraints, increasing complexity of need and rising demand all contribute to delays. These are fundamentally challenges of capacity rather than control.
The briefing also highlights the human impact behind the statistics. Every delayed discharge represents a person who is unable to leave hospital because the support they need is not yet in place. Improving outcomes is not simply about reducing numbers, but about ensuring people can move on safely, with dignity, autonomy and the right support to live well in their communities.
At a time of significant debate about public service reform, this briefing challenges policymakers to look beyond structures and accountability arrangements alone. Sustainable improvements in delayed discharge will require investment in the social work workforce, social care capacity, housing, community services and prevention.
SASW Policy and Public Affairs Advisor, George Hannah spoke to The Scotsman about our concerns and the case we are making to policymakers for resourcing to address chronic shortages of social care workers, community services, housing and support for people with complex needs. Read our full comments here.
