Joint briefing on delayed discharge and social work in public service reform
November 2026
This joint briefing from the Scottish Association of Social Work (SASW) and Social Work Scotland explores a different question: what is really driving delayed discharge, and what does this tell us about the challenges facing public services?
Delayed discharge has become one of the most prominent debates about the future of health and social care in Scotland. It is increasingly cited as evidence that services are fragmented and that stronger central control is needed to improve outcomes.
At a time of significant debate about public service reform, this briefing challenges policymakers to look beyond structures and accountability arrangements alone. Sustainable improvements in delayed discharge will require investment in the social work workforce, social care capacity, housing, community services and prevention.
