THE number of bedblockers in Gwent hospitals fell during July for the first time since February, according to the latest figures.
In July there were 88 patients blocking beds - officially known as delayed transfers of care (DToCs) - a reduction of almost 30 on the figure for June.
Prior to the July decrease, DToCs in Gwent had almost doubled during February-June.
Aneurin Bevan Health Board put that rise at least partly down to a tightening of the counting and checking system but there had been backlogs in healthcare assessments and in assessments of patients' home needs prior to discharge.
The July reduction was largely achieved through tackling these backlogs. The June figure for DToCs in Newport was 61, but in July it was 23.
Though DToC numbers have been higher in Gwent during much of 2013, compared to recent years, the amount of time beds are blocked is down, as long term bedblocking is less of a problem.
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