Doctor Richard Taylor M.P. blamed poor Hospital Management for the crisis in 'bed-blocking' in NHS Hospitals.

During a debate on the Queen's Speech in the House of Commons, Dr. Taylor said that Social Services were being unfairly criticised.

(Delayed discharge happens when a patient is well enough to leave but no care-place can be found for them. In such circumstances, even patients requiring urgent treatment cannot be found a bed.)

"I know of an 81 year-old lady who went into hospital and, although her treatment finished after 5 days, she was in hospital for three weeks and two days [23 days] because no effort was made to engage in discharge planning."

Dr. Richard Taylor

He said that ...

" only one part of the system is being blamed. The NHS may be at fault and, indeed is at fault, on many occasions."

"The intention to fine Social Services will drive a wedge between it and Health Departments. We should be aiming for closer partnership."

He continued, warning that increased funding for the NHS would be swallowed-up by paying debts rather than improving services; and he wished that the Chancellor had admitted that many NHS Trusts were in debt, already.