A recent report by the National Housing Federation has brought renewed attention to a pressing issue in mental health care – delays in discharging patients due to a lack of suitable supported accommodation.
In 2023–24 alone, over 109,000 days of delayed discharges were recorded, costing the NHS an estimated £71 million in England.
These delays aren’t just numbers on a sheet; they’re real people, many of whom are ready to move forward in their recovery but are left stuck in clinical settings because there is simply nowhere appropriate for them to go.
According to the report, the single biggest reason for delayed discharges from mental health hospitals last year was a shortage of supported housing. In September 2024, 17% of all discharge delays were due to patients waiting for accommodation.
This is not an isolated issue. Dr Jenny Thatcher, a sociologist and lecturer at the University of East London, reflected on the findings, sharing her opinion:
“Waiting for supported housing was the single biggest reason mental health patients, fit for discharge, were unable to leave mental health hospitals.”
This hold-up places significant pressure on both the health and social care sectors. Hospital beds stay full, affecting those in need of urgent mental health support. Meanwhile, those already assessed as ready for discharge stay in environments that may not support their ongoing recovery needs.
The concerns raised by professionals working in the sector echo what’s being seen on the ground. Ed Beveridge – former Clinical Director at North London NHS Foundation Trust and current Presidential Lead for Physical Health at The Royal College of Psychiatrists – commented:
“Good quality supported accommodation is critical to enabling discharge and preventing admission. This is concerning but chimes with my experience.”
His view is shared by many working across the NHS and social care, who see firsthand how gaps in community-based support can slow recovery, lead to relapse, and drive up long-term costs for public services.
At Northern Healthcare, we work alongside NHS partners, local authorities, and families to help bridge these gaps. We offer a range of supported living pathways, each tailored to meet individual needs and support people at different stages of their recovery:
Each of these services is designed to create a recovery-focused environment where people can rebuild confidence, grow their life skills, and reconnect with their communities – all at a pace that feels right for them.
Access to safe, supportive housing plays a significant role in sustainable mental health recovery, as one person we support at Mary Seacole House, our Bolton service, shared:
“I came to the step down bed from hospital after being in and out of hospital for ages. I was welcomed with open arms — everyone made me feel like I belonged. I really do think Mary Seacole is a great place for me to get better and help me grow. My time here has helped me in so many ways and it will help in many more, like my chance to live independently again.”
At Northern Healthcare, our approach is built on empowerment and connection. We aim to maximise independence, promote well-being, and build supportive networks around each person who comes into our care. Whether it’s helping someone manage daily routines, reconnect with family, or engage in community life, we understand that recovery looks different for everyone, and we shape our services to reflect that.
The National Housing Federation is calling for a stronger link between housing and health in national planning. They’re encouraging NHS Integrated Care Boards and housing providers to work more closely together.
More and more people now recognise that local, community-based services are key to helping people leave hospital sooner and stay well for longer. As the NHF puts it, “It is clear that housing associations have much to offer public health in their efforts to tackle health inequalities.”
Local councils are also pushing for long-term investment to make sure no one falls through the gaps. Without the right support in place, delays will carry on – leading to bigger costs, both financially and for people’s lives.
For people recovering from mental health challenges, where they go after hospital can make all the difference. It’s about more than moving on, it’s about moving forward.
We remain committed to creating safe, empowering spaces where individuals can take the next step in their journey. By working together with partners across the system, we can make sure no one is left without the support they need, and that the NHS can focus its care where it’s needed most.
https://x.com/JennyAThatcher/status/1889250038083174650
