"Delayed Discharge"

My dad has recently been discharged home from ward B11 and was transferred to the discharge lounge within the hospital to await his transport. Prior to his admission my dad used dial a journey to get him to/from appointments, supermarkets etc and they offer a fantastic service. The last time my dad was discharged he was transported home by the Royal Voluntary Service who, I believe, work in partnership with dial a journey.

Upon speaking to my dad, I was appalled that his discharge home was delayed due to having to await patient transport from the ambulance service. My dad could have been home and settled in the time it took the ambulance crew to show up. I understand this is not the specific crew members fault however if my dad has previously used dial a journey why was he not able to travel home with them today? My dad is more or less walking independently with the exception of being a bit wobbly on his feet from time to time and we both feel guilty that he has taken up a space on a service that he did not require.

I am disappointed that he had to stay in hospital for a further period of time as a result of the transport policies now being enforced throughout the hospital