One of the biggest challenges facing the NHS is the growing number of patients experiencing delayed discharge from hospital, meaning they are medically fit to leave but unable to do so.
The impact of delays is especially acute when waiting lists are rising, A&E departments are overstretched and the winter flu season is under way.
On top of that, because there are fewer available beds, planned procedures are also affected.
Finally, there are many risks associated with longer stays: infections; blood clots; muscle weakening and pressure sores, to name a few.
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