The Longest Wait to Leave

Age UK Surrey calls for action on delayed hospital discharge as new Age UK report reveals growing impact on older people

Age UK Surrey is highlighting the urgent need to improve support for older people leaving hospital following the publication of Age UK's new national report, The Longest Wait to Leave, which reveals the significant human and financial cost of delayed hospital discharge.

The report highlights that around 13,000 people every day are medically fit to leave hospital but remain there, with the majority being older people. It estimates that delayed discharges cost the health and care system £2.66 billion annually, while contributing to growing pressures across hospitals, ambulance services and A&E departments.

For older people, the consequences can be devastating. Delays increase the risk of infection, falls, loss of mobility, deteriorating mental wellbeing, and a loss of independence. Research shows that physical and cognitive deconditioning can begin within 24 hours of prolonged inactivity in hospital settings.

Community support is part of the solution

Age UK Surrey welcomes the report's recognition of the critical role played by voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in helping older people leave hospital safely, regain confidence and independence, and avoid unnecessary readmissions.

Through its work across Surrey, Age UK Surrey already plays a leading role in supporting older people through periods of illness, recovery and increasing frailty.

As the lead voluntary sector partner within the NHS Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board (ICB) Frailty Pathway, Age UK Surrey works with Action for Carers to provide support for people living with frailty and their family members and carers. This collaborative approach helps older people navigate health and care services, access practical support, maintain independence and remain connected to their communities.

Age UK Surrey also leads the Older People Portfolio within the Surrey Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Alliance, bringing together charities, community groups, social enterprises and lived-experience organisations to ensure older people's voices are represented in the planning and delivery of health, care and community services across Surrey.

Supporting recovery beyond hospital walls

The report highlights the importance of practical support once people return home, including welfare checks, confidence-building, social connection, falls prevention and access to community services.  

Age UK Surrey delivers a wide range of services designed to support these outcomes, helping older people recover safely at home and maintain their independence for longer. 

Age UK Surrey's Help at Home service supports independent living by introducing you to a friendly, reliable Home Help who can assist with cleaning, light housework, companionship, shopping, and other everyday tasks. Short-Term Support is also available for hospital stays, recovery from illness, attending appointments and events or temporary needs.

Catherine Hodgson, CEO of Age UK Surrey said: "No older person should be left waiting in hospital when they are medically fit to return home. Delayed discharge is not only costly for the NHS, it can have a profound impact on an older person's physical health, confidence and independence.

The findings of this report reinforce what we see every day across Surrey; when older people receive the right support at the right time, they are far more likely to recover well at home and avoid further health complications.

Community organisations have a vital role to play in bridging the gap between hospital and home, and we welcome the report's recognition of the contribution that the voluntary sector makes in supporting older people across their recovery journey."

A call for action

Age UK's report calls on the Government to:

• Increase community capacity to support older people leaving hospital.
• Improve coordination between health and social care services.
• Address funding disputes that delay access to care and support.
• Increase hospital bed capacity where needed.
• Improve transparency through stronger reporting of delayed discharges and long hospital waits.
• Develop a funded national plan to reduce long A&E waits and eliminate corridor care.

Age UK Surrey supports these recommendations and believes that stronger investment in community-based services, integrated care pathways and voluntary sector partnerships will be essential to helping older people receive the care and support they need, when they need it.

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