I would like to thank the deputy for his question regarding Delayed Transfers of Care (DTOC), which is an integral part of the patient flow process and as such a vital element in a well-functioning health system.
Delayed Transfers of Care are categorised as follows:
• Type A Home Support Service: awaiting access to home support services.
• Type B Residential Care Support: awaiting access to residential care support.
• Type C Access to Rehabilitation: awaiting access to rehabilitation services.
• Type D Complex Clinical Need: patient with complex clinical needs awaiting access to specific services
• Type E Homelessness/Housing Support/Adjustment: homeless patient, patient requiring home adaptions or patient awaiting access to Supported Living / housing with care.
• Type F Legal Complexity/Ward of Court: patient is a refugee or asylum seeker and needs specific placement or there is a legal complexity associated with the patient, or they are a Ward of Court.
According to the most recent DTOC report issued by the HSE on the 30th of December, 8% of patients on the DTOC list are in the Type E category and this accounts for 10% of the national total of Bed Days Lost (BDL).
The Finance Unit tracks the overall financial performance of the HSE on behalf of the Department of Health. The Department of Health does not currently track the costs of Bed Days Lost associated with Delayed Transfers of Care.
