A lack of supported housing caused delays in discharging mental health patients from hospitals in England last year. The National Housing Federation (NHF) found that these delays cost the NHS about £71 million in 2023-24. More than 109,000 hospital days were lost due to patients waiting for housing support.
“The system is under huge pressure,” said Kate Henderson, chief executive of NHF. Patients who no longer need hospital care remain stuck due to a shortage of supported housing. The number of people affected by housing-related delays has tripled since 2021.
Supported housing provides accommodation and care for people recovering from mental illness. Without it, patients cannot be discharged, even if they are medically ready to leave. This creates unnecessary costs for the NHS and reduces hospital capacity.
The NHF report highlights the growing demand for mental health services. Hospitals cannot admit new patients when beds are occupied by those awaiting housing. The shortage of supported accommodation is a key barrier to solving the problem.
“NHS budgets are already stretched,” said a healthcare analyst. The £71 million spent on delayed discharges could have funded other services. Investing in supported housing could reduce long-term healthcare costs.
Local authorities and housing providers struggle to meet demand. Funding cuts have reduced the number of available places for mental health patients. Some regions have longer waiting times than others, leaving patients in limbo.
The government has pledged to improve mental health care and housing support. Officials acknowledge the need for better coordination between health and housing services. Policy changes may take years to show results.
Mental health charities warn of serious consequences for patients. Extended hospital stays can slow recovery and increase the risk of relapse. Some patients develop additional health problems while waiting for discharge.
“The lack of housing is making people sicker,” said a spokesperson for Mind. Patients need stable environments to recover, but many face uncertainty. Without supported housing, they risk becoming homeless or returning to hospital.
The NHS continues to prioritize mental health care, but resources remain limited. Hospitals must balance urgent admissions with long-term patients awaiting discharge. More investment in community support could ease the strain on the system.
Some areas have developed partnerships to address the issue. Local councils, housing providers, and healthcare services are working together to create new supported housing options. These efforts have shown early success but require more funding.
The NHF report calls for immediate action to expand housing options. Experts recommend building more supported living facilities and improving discharge planning. Without change, the number of delayed discharges is likely to keep rising.
Mental health patients deserve timely support and a safe place to live. The current system leaves many trapped in hospitals longer than necessary. Addressing the housing shortage could improve patient outcomes and reduce NHS costs.
