"Delayed discharge due to medication needed"

Family were told discharge would be the next day (North Tees Hospital) on arrival in the evening were told it would be the following day. Expressed that lady has been sitting all day waiting for medication which had not arrived (yes, we're very sorry about that). The family had to travel a considerable distance after a day at work to make this trip (we're very sorry about that).

When asked why discharge had been delayed we were told there was a hold up at the pharmacy. On further questioning we learned the delay was due to the pharmacy not being informed a 'bubble pack' was required - requires 48 hours notice (we're very sorry about that).

Asked how this could happen if discharge planning starts at admission. 'We don't always check it, it's often the pharmacist'. We commented, who ever is responsible the system is not working (we're very sorry about that).

We said we would rather have reassurance of corrective action, rather than multiple apologies. NB Apart from the huge patient disappointment at 92 years old and the family inconvenience, this has unnecessarily cost the NHS about £200 / 300 (? ) for the extra day stay.