Rachael Hamilton MSP has urged the First Minister to provide more resources for NHS Borders to tackle delayed discharge and the knock-on impact of people missing booster jabs.
She raised the issue that many vulnerable people who are due to be discharged from hospital, but have not due to delays, have missed their booster vaccinations.
With the public health message urging people to ‘Get Boosted’, Mrs Hamilton is concerned many will have missed out if they have remained in hospital.
Figures show that 1,563 beds across Scotland are being occupied by patients who are recovered, but cannot be discharged, due to a lack of social care arrangements at home.
The Borders MSP is calling on the Scottish Government to offer the appropriate resources to NHS Borders to tackle the issue of bed blocking.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“Delayed discharge is a serious problem, the SNP promised to eradicate it in 2014, yet we still face a large volume today.
“Elderly and vulnerable people who are due to be discharged from hospital, but cannot be through no fault of their own, may have been unable to receive their booster jab.
“The SNP must tackle the issue of delayed discharge and bolster the social care arrangements in place, so people can return to their own homes or care setting.
“In NHS Borders, staff are working flat out to help alleviate the issue, but ultimately the buck stops with the SNP Government in Edinburgh.
“I would urge anyone who has been recently discharged from hospital, and has not yet received their booster, to book an appointment”.