More than 1,500 people in Scotland have died while waiting to be discharged from hospital over the past three years, according to new figures that have intensified concerns over NHS delays and social care pressures.
Data obtained by Scottish Labour through freedom of information requests shows that 1,579 patients died between 2022 and 2025 while medically fit to leave hospital but unable to do so.
The figures reveal 541 deaths in 2022/23, 522 in 2023/24 and 516 in 2024/25, highlighting the ongoing impact of delayed discharge — often referred to as “bed blocking”.
Delayed discharge occurs when patients are ready to leave hospital but cannot due to a lack of appropriate care arrangements in the community, such as limited social care provision.
Recent data from Public Health Scotland shows the problem is worsening, with 55,547 delayed discharge days recorded in February alone, and nearly 2,000 hospital beds occupied on average by patients fit to leave.
According to Audit Scotland, delayed discharge cost the NHS £440 million in 2024/25.
Anas Sarwar said the figures reflected a serious failure in the system.
He said: “Behind these figures are Scots who spent their last days stuck in hospital wards rather than at home surrounded by friends and family.”
He added: “The SNP’s pledge to end bed blocking lies in tatters, along with so many other broken promises.”
Sarwar argued that the situation had “failed patients and piled pressure on hospitals”, pledging that Labour would introduce additional care packages and step-down beds to ease the crisis.
Neil Gray defended the government’s record, insisting efforts were ongoing to address the issue.
He said: “We are working tirelessly to improve delayed discharge and are clear no-one in Scotland should have to wait for crucial care and support.”
Gray pointed to increased funding, including over £2.3 billion for social care, while also blaming wider pressures such as rising demand and the impact of Brexit.
The figures underline the continued strain on Scotland’s health and care services, with delayed discharge remaining a major challenge for the NHS.
As political debate intensifies ahead of upcoming elections, the issue is expected to remain central to discussions around healthcare reform and funding.