“Shocking” data reveals Welsh hospital beds lost to alcohol, drugs and surgical mistakes

Welsh Conservatives have today uncovered data* which shows the “shocking” number of Welsh hospital beds which were lost last year due to alcohol, drug abuse and surgical mistakes.

2,672 so-called ‘bed days’ – when a hospital bed is occupied for a 24-hour period – were lost as a consequence of 1754 patients being admitted to hospital for treatment linked to alcohol-related incidents, ranging from alcohol poisoning to intoxication.

Cases involving intentional self-poisoning through narcotics and hallucinogens – such as psychoactive drugs – accounted for 1,965 bed days being lost as a result of 1,247 admissions.

Surgical mistakes accounted for 251 admissions resulting in 2,110 bed days for patients. Patients spent an average of eight days in a hospital bed because of these mistakes.

Unintentional cuts, punctures, perforations or haemorrhages caused during surgical or medical care were most common, causing 218 admissions and 1,632 bed days.

Of this total, medical and surgical misadventures, which can include postoperative septicaemia and infection, caused 29 admissions and 464 bed days.

Five episodes were caused by a foreign object accidentally left in the body during surgical and medical care. This resulted in four admissions and 14 bed days lost.

The data comprises records from Wales’ seven health boards and was obtained from NHS Wales’ ‘Information & Statistics’ site.

In 2014/15, the average number of beds available on a given day was 11,062.  In the last 10 years, the total number of beds has fallen by 29%, but occupancy during this time has increased by over 8%.**

Commenting on the data, Welsh Conservative Shadow Secretary for Health, Angela Burns AM, said:
“The data is a shocking indication that cases of self-harm through alcohol and drug abuse are taking up a significant number of hospital beds, placing a huge strain on our health service.

“While human error is inevitable, it is also very concerning to see so many surgical mistakes resulting in such a large volume of increased stays in hospital.

“This really hammers home the importance of the need for more training into the early identification of post-operative septicaemia, continued professional development, and a better work-life balance.
“The Labour-led Welsh Government must do more to crack down on unhealthy drink and drug habits by implementing a comprehensive public health strategy, supported by strong and ubiquitous public health messaging.

“This in the long run will free up hospital beds, ease pressures on NHS services, save money and, crucially, improve levels of care for patients most in need.”