Patient finally leaves Russells Hall Hospital after more than 500 days
An elderly patient has finally left hospital after spending more than 500 days in a bed - despite being medically fit to be discharged.
The woman spent a staggering 16 months at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley as her discharge was delayed by a disagreement about her future care.
But the delay caused consternation with one senior councillor in Dudley, who claimed it was a waste of resources.
Diane Wake, chief executive of the Dudley Group NHS Trust, which runs Russells Hall, said the patient, who spent around 510 days on the wards, wanted to be cared for at home but that couldn't be delivered by the NHS.
She has instead been moved to a care home.
Ms Wake said the hospital had worked to try and find a resolution to suit all parties but that efforts had 'not been successful' and that it was crucial that resources 'are used responsibly'.
She said: "A patient at Russells Hall Hospital who has been medically fit for more than 500 days is being discharged to a nursing home where her ongoing care needs can be met.
"Clinicians from both the nursing home and hospital are confident that her care will be delivered safely in a nursing home environment. Unfortunately, her wish to be cared for at home with 24 hour nursing care cannot be met by the NHS currently.
"We have worked extremely hard with the patient, her family and Dudley Clinical Commissioning Group to find a resolution but this has not been successful.
"It is very important that NHS resources are used responsibly and shared fairly. When a medically fit patient remains in hospital, it means that the bed is not available to treat other patients requiring acute care.
"The patient has been transferred with her co-operation. We have informed her close family members and explained the reasons for the discharge."
Councillor Ian Kettle, who sits on the council's cabinet, said it was 'alarming' that a patient could take up a bed for so long.
