Thousands of Hospital Bed Days Lost in Yorkshire Due to Lack of Social Care Capacity
Thousands of hospital bed days are being lost each year across Yorkshire because patients who are medically fit to leave hospital cannot be discharged due to a lack of funded care in the community, new figures show.
Data obtained by the Liberal Democrats through a Freedom of Information request reveals that in 2024 alone, 224,936 bed days in Yorkshire hospitals were taken up by patients who were ready to be discharged but had nowhere appropriate to go. While the number is beginning to fall, the true scale of the problem is likely to be significantly higher, as around two-thirds of Yorkshire NHS trusts did not respond to the request.
The figures highlight the ongoing impact of delayed discharges on NHS capacity, even as winter pressures begin to ease. NHS data released in December 2025 indicates that flu admissions have peaked nationally, yet hospitals across the region continue to face severe strain due to blocked beds and insufficient social care provision.
The scale of the issue is illustrated by individual cases, including one patient who remained in hospital for 127 days at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust despite being fit for discharge. Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust recorded the highest number of delayed discharge bed days, losing 101,788 days in 2024 alone – the equivalent of more than 278 years of hospital capacity.
The Liberal Democrats are calling for the creation of a dedicated winter discharge unit to reduce delays and ensure patients can leave hospital safely and promptly. The proposal would include a £90 million fund to support additional locum doctors during discharge bottlenecks, improved patient transport, and the provision of 5,000 emergency social and home care packages over the Christmas period.
Alison Bennett MP, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for care and carers, said: “This winter, thousands of families are facing the distressing reality of loved ones remaining in hospital far longer than necessary. Even as seasonal pressures begin to stabilise, the lack of community care continues to trap patients in hospital beds. Our proposals are designed to break this logjam and help people get home sooner, where they belong.”
Mike Padgham, Chairman of Saint Cecilia’s Care Group said: “There is capacity for patients to be discharged safely, but the system is being held back by a lack of funding. Local authorities are under such financial pressure that they simply cannot purchase the social care support that is required. As a result, bureaucracy and underfunding keep people in hospital longer than necessary, which is not in their best interests. Extended hospital stays increase the risk of further illness and loss of independence. It is incredibly frustrating that social care continues to be overlooked. Even as flu pressures begin to ease, the underlying problem remains the same – without sustained investment in social care, the NHS will continue to struggle with delayed discharges.”
The Government has committed to creating a national care service, but this is not expected to be implemented before 2028, pending the outcome of Baroness Louise Casey’s independent social care commission.
Health leaders warn that without urgent action to address social care funding and capacity, hospitals will continue to face avoidable pressures long after seasonal illnesses subside.
