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bed-blocking

British  

noun

  1. the use of hospital beds by elderly patients who cannot leave hospital because they have no place in a residential care home

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • bed-blocker noun

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But relatives said staff had told them the problem was bed-blocking by other patients ready to be discharged.

From BBC • May 29, 2024

In a preventing future deaths report to Health Secretary Steve Barclay, Mr Cox said hospital bed-blocking and ambulance delays were "recurring themes" in the cases.

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2022

The health board boss also admitted social care shortages across west Wales were leading to delays in discharging patients - resulting in bed-blocking.

From BBC • Sep. 11, 2021

So-called bed-blocking is estimated to cost the service about £820m a year.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2016

Delayed discharge, often referred to as bed-blocking, is when a patient is judged clinically ready to go home but continues to occupy a hospital bed while plans are made for appropriate follow-up care.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2015