Health group to meet Walsall manor hospital bosses over discharge delays
A health group has said it has 'concerns' over the number of patients being delayed from discharge at a major hospital.
having their discharges delayed from one of the region's major hospitals.
Healthwatch Walsall is also seeking a meeting with bosses at Manor Hospital in Walsall after the Express & Star reported on the lengthy delays some patients were facing before leaving the hospital.
One 82-year-old patient spent at least an extra 288 days in the hospital, and was still in there yesterday, despite being declared medically fit to be discharged.
Another patient left the hospital 64 days after being declared medically fit to leave.
In total more than 50 patients in the last three years stayed at least 28 days longer in the Manor Hospital than they needed to.
In light of the figures Simon Fogell, chief officer for Healthwatch Walsall, said he would be seeking 'conversations' with bosses at the hospital.
He said: "It gives us fair concern seeing the number of delayed discharges. I will be seeking conversations with the manor.
"In 2015 we published a report looking at the number of discharges that resulted in readmission and it was only in July 2016 that the public accounts committee put out a report showing how people were facing long delays to be discharged and how much that was costing hospitals.
"This is not something that has just randomly sprung up, people are aware of it."
Mr Fogell added: "We want people to have confidence in the Manor. We want to make sure people are getting a good and proper service. I will be making sure of that as much as I can and I will be asking questions to Walsall Council and the manor on why it is not working and if they say it is working I will ask to see proof.
When the figures were first reported, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs the manor, said some delays were down to 'complex reasons' beyond its control.
Philip Thomas-Hands, the chief operating officer at the trust, said: "We try our best to ensure timely and effective discharges when patients no longer require care or treatment in hospital so that those most sick can get to see our doctors and nurses as fast as possible.
“To help support this, we have developed a permanent discharge lounge facility at the Manor Hospital with staff aiming to complete as many discharges as possible before midday.
“However, delays can occur for complex reasons, some beyond our control."
