THE average number of beds occupied by patients delayed from leaving Scottish hospitals reached its highest level in four months in March, according to latest figures.

Public Health Scotland data showed that, on average, 1,892 beds were occupied each day by patients clinically ready to leave hospital but unable to do so, the highest level since November when the average was 1,894.

Among the reasons for delayed discharges are a lack of social care packages and family and carer issues.

In March, 58,646 days were spent in hospital by people whose discharge was delayed, a 9 per cent increase on the number of delayed days in March 2023 (54,046).

The average length of delay for people in March this year was 24 days.

Scottish Labour Health spokeswoman Dame Jackie Baillie said the NHS is in “total chaos after after 17 years of SNP failure” and called for action to tackle the issues.

She said: “Delayed discharge is soaring and piling pressure on other services. Scotland’s NHS cannot cope with the damage being inflicted by this chaotic and dysfunctional SNP government.”

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “The health and social care system continues to face pressure due to a number of factors, including the availability of workforce and suitable care placements, and increased levels of frailty and acuity, likely worsened by the impact of the pandemic.

“The Scottish government is continuing to work with NHS boards and health and social care partnerships to reduce delays in people leaving hospital.”