Long-stay older patients in acute hospitals: are they bed blockers?

This analysis of the use of acute hospitals by older people identifies the extent of long stays by elderly patients and the eventual outcomes of these stays in terms of separations to residential care or the community. The effect of casemix on length of stay and differences associated with location of hospital are also discussed. Less than 0.5% of all acute hospital inpatients are older people who could be considered nursing home type patients. These patients use some 9% of all acute bed days and, in most cases, these beds would otherwise be unoccupied. It is unlikely therefore that they are 'blocking' beds that could be used to relieve waiting lists.