Concerns have been raised over the number of patients being kept in hospital long after they should have been discharged.

Latest figures released by Public Health Scotland show that, in June, an average of 1,678 hospital beds across the country were occupied by people who were clinically well enough to leave.

West Scotland MSP Paul O’Kane, who represents both Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire, is worried about the impact that delayed discharge is having on the mental and physical health of his constituents who find themselves stuck in hospital unnecessarily.

The Labour man has called on the Scottish Government to come up with “long-term solutions” for the provision of social care in order to tackle the problem.

Mr O’Kane said: “There is a detrimental impact on people’s mental health and physical wellbeing when they are kept in hospital long after they should have been discharged.

“These are members of families, people’s loved ones being left in isolation in hospitals.

“For over a year now, Scottish Labour has called on the Scottish Government to reward social care work with a proper wage of £15 per hour – something that not only recognises the importance of the profession but would be a key way to strengthen recruitment and retention.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said it has provided “significant additional funding” to support social care, including enhancements to Care at Home capacity, an increase in hourly pay and cash to provide interim care arrangements.

Steps have also been taken to “rapidly scale up Hospital at Home services to reduce acute admissions and support timely discharge.”

The spokesperson added: “Being at home or in a community setting is in the best interests of anyone who no longer has any clinical need to be in hospital.

“The Scottish Government works with health and social care partnerships to reduce delays in people leaving hospital and to ensure that people are cared for in the right setting and hospital beds are there for those who need them.

“We have recruited more than 1,000 additional healthcare support staff since last October, with many working in community and social care.

“Ministers continue to meet regularly with the partnerships facing the most significant challenges to discuss progress and challenges.”