delayed discharge

delayed discharge

An NHS term for the continued occupation of a hospital bed after an inpatient’s ready-for-discharge date during the same episode of inpatient care, which occurs when a discharge from hospital/significant facility in the UK has been approved—e.g., the patient no longer requires acute medical care and is clinically ready to move to a more appropriate setting (patient’s home, nursing home, etc.)—but cannot for various reasons. 
Reasons for delayed discharge
Social care, healthcare, or patient/carer/family-related reasons.