South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has warned that delayed discharge in Dumfries and Galloway is “piling pressure on hospitals” as a recent report reveals the issue cost the region’s health board £10,425,633 in 2022/23.

Delayed discharge figures monitor the number of days patients spend in hospital despite being fit to leave, typically because of a lack of social care services in their area.

Over the course of the year, a total of 35,692 bed days in NHS Dumfries and Galloway were lost to delayed discharge, as rates across Scotland hit a record high.

Analysis by Scottish Labour has revealed that the approximate cost of delayed discharge to the local NHS in 2022/23 was an eye-watering £10,425,633.

Colin Smyth said: “Delayed discharge in Dumfries and Galloway is piling pressure on our hospitals and threatening patients’ recovery.

“Our NHS is at breaking point and every penny matters, and it is a scandal that our local NHS has been forced to foot such a huge bill.

“Social care in our region is crying out for help, but the SNP’s botched National Care Service plans will do nothing but centralise local services.

“The Scottish Government must support social care services in Dumfries and Galloway and increase pay for the sector’s dedicated workers, so no-one is left languishing in hospital waiting for a care package.”