We are actively considering the feasibility of a national data collection. Accurately capturing this information consistently at a national level presents complex technical and operational challenges impacted both by definitional variation as well as variation across systems in terms of physical layout, operational practice and existing recording mechanisms.

Notwithstanding this consideration, our key priority remains addressing the underlying causes of high acute hospital occupancy which results in bed blocking and can lead to the provision of care in non-standard areas. That is why, through our NHS Scotland Operational Improvement Plan, we are investing £220 million to reduce high hospital occupancy, improve patient flow and optimising alternatives to hospital admission such as expanding Hospital at Home services nationally.