Delayed Transfers of Care – September 2007

The Release
Statistical Release 160/2007 (PDF 160kB)

This Statistics First Release gives information about delayed transfers of care in the NHS.

Timely transfer and discharge arrangements are important in ensuring that the NHS effectively manages emergency pressures.  Around 42,000 in-patient discharges are arranged each month.  The arrangements for transfer of patients to a more appropriate care setting (either within the NHS or in discharge from NHS care) will vary according to the needs of each patient but can be complex and sometimes lead to delays.  These are known as delayed transfers of care.

This Statistical Release is one in a monthly series about delayed transfers of care.  The figures provided are taken from the Delayed Transfers of Care database introduced for use from April 2002.  There is a census of delayed patients each month.  The data used in this Release has been extracted from the database and provides a 'snapshot' of the numbers for the census date incorporating any amendments received up to the date of extraction.

The total number of patients experiencing a delayed transfer of care on the census date of 19 September 2007 was 679.  Of these, 182 were delayed in mental health facilities and 497 were in other acute and community hospitals.

Contact:
Tel: 029 2082 3134
E-mail: stats.healthinfo@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Further information can be found on the StatsWales website

Next Update:
27 November 2007