New figures from the GMB Union released today say that hospitals in our area have seen a 41% increase in so-called 'bed blocking' since 2010.
The new figures, which are based on research from across the East Midlands, show there has been a substantial increase in patients who are ready to be discharged but are stuck in hospital beds.
The union say that a lack of available social care support is one of the most common reasons for delays in patients being discharged from hospital.
Andy Worth, GMB Regional Secretary, said: “At a time when desperately ill patients are left waiting in hospital corridors due to a lack of beds, these figures are particularly distasteful."
