WIREDGOV

The figures released by Information Services Division show that all health boards have made significant progress against the HEAT target to reduce the rate of use of emergency beds for people aged 75 and over – with a 11 per cent decrease in the rate since 2009/10.

The number of patients being treated in Scotland’s NHS has also continued to increase, with a three per cent rise in acute inpatients and day cases in 2013/14 compared to last year. 

The figures also show that the length of time patients stay in hospital has continued to fall.

Health Secretary Alex Neil said:

“These statistics show us that Scotland’s NHS is continuing to evolve as it treats more people than ever before."

“Offering older people the support and care they need to stay in their own home for as long as possible is a key priorities for the Scottish Government. 

“We want to avoid any unnecessary hospital stays, however when this isn’t possible we must ensure that a patients hospital stay is as short as possible.

“While these figures show that we have achieved much, they also remind us that there is no room for complacency and re-enforce our commitment to support local partnerships to reshape support services and deliver the highest quality of care to our older citizens."

The figures also show that the number of beds in the NHS has rose slightly over the last year but continue to vary throughout the year to reflect demand across the NHS.