Lengths of stay continue to reduce in the acute sector

In the search to reduce costs, acute hospitals may continue reducing lengths of stay, pushing ever more acute need and demand into the community, increasing intensity of work for staff in these settings.

Survival rates from acute episodes such as heart attacks and strokes are increasing as technology is now available to treat these episodes quickly, effectively and (comparatively) easily. However, higher survival rates will also mean an increased need for care in the community via continual treatment and specialised services.

Given increased survival rates, improved methods of treatment and the ongoing pressure to reduce costs, acute hospitals are likely to want to continue reducing lengths of stay in hospital. While a laudable objective such as this may help reduce costs and the numbers of staff required, it will push the demand for acute services into the community and increase the intensity of work for staff working in these settings. This may be true for both health and social care services.

Therefore, decision makers may need to consider the implications of shifting the responsibility for treating episodic conditions such as heart attacks and strokes, as well as long-term conditions such as diabetes and heart conditions, from acute hospitals to the community.

Will supply need to change in response?

Some of the information in this section is provided by stakeholders and expert groups, and does not necessarily represent the views of the CfWI.