Patients in Merton are less likely to face hospital transfer delays compared to other boroughs in London, according to the latest statistics.

The latest figures released by NHS England relate to cases in January 2018. The figures show the borough reduced the number of people waiting to leave hospital, coming only second behind City of London.

A delayed transfer of care occurs when a patient is medically fit to be discharged from hospital from acute or non-acute care, yet is still occupying a bed.

Merton’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, Councillor Tobin Byers said: “Merton has worked very hard to turn around the numbers in delayed transfer or care, an achievement we’re particularly proud as it happened during one of the busiest winters for the NHS, putting huge pressure on hospitals to free up beds.

“The latest figures show that when the wider system works closely together, it is possible to speed up the number of people waiting to leave hospital, so patients can continue to receive the appropriate level of care that they need after leaving hospital.”

Delays can occur when patients are being discharged home or to a residential or nursing home, or are awaiting transfer to a community hospital or hospice.