Alzheimer’s Society publish data on delayed hospital discharges for people with dementia
The Alzheimer’s Society has published data showing that almost a third of people aged 65 and over who are fit to be discharged from hospital are remaining as inpatients for at least three weeks longer than necessary, with this almost 29,000 people (in one year) believed to have dementia.
The figures come from NHS England data that has been analysed by HSJ Information and Alzheimer’s Society. Alongside the data, the personal stories of delayed discharge have also been highlighted – you can read about Martin and Sarah’s experiences here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/delayed-discharge-hospital.
Michelle Dyson CB, Chief Executive Officer of Alzheimer’s Society, says:
“Every year, the NHS faces extreme winter pressures and we see time and time again the struggle to cope with the numbers of people needing urgent care. It is clear from these figures that dementia is a key part of the puzzle. People living with dementia are being left stranded in hospital, which is neither good for them nor the NHS.
Tackling dementia care and support would make a huge difference to the NHS’s ability to cope at this time of year. Early diagnosis and access to appropriate services can help to prevent hospital admissions in the first place, while better care and support would also mean those in hospital could leave when they are well enough.”
The analysis of the delayed discharge data can be found here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/our-campaigns/reports-briefings/delayed-discharge-from-hospital and the full data set is here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/sites/default/files/2026-01/Dementia-delayed-discharges.pdf