Press Release, 14th August, 2013

 

EARLY DISCHARGE PUTTING PATIENTS RECOVERY AT RISK

Local MSP Duncan McNeil has today raised safety fears for patients being treated in the intensive care unit at Inverclyde Royal Hospital.

His concerns come after the publication of a critical report showing that 8% of patients were discharged early from the unit because of staff and bed shortages.

The figure for IRH is the second highest in Scotland.

Early discharges are those that happen before the patient is deemed medically ready.

The Scottish Intensive Care Society Audit Group – the agency that published the report this week - said patients who are discharged early are at risk of deterioration and adverse outcomes.

Duncan McNeil said:

“These figures are truly concerning. Early discharge can compromise patients’ recovery and put them at risk. I will be writing to the NHSGGC chief executive to get assurances that he will act to reduce early discharges from the intensive care unit by conducting a review and examination of bed capacity at the IRH”