bed blocker

Meanings:

• 1.

  British EnglishGlobal Englishinformaltechnical
  • A patient who occupies a hospital bed longer than medically necessary, thereby limiting bed availability for other patients.

• 2.

  Global Englishinformal
  • Someone or something that blocks access to or use of a scarce resource by remaining in place or refusing to vacate.

• 3.

  British EnglishGlobal Englishinformaltechnical
  • A person who impedes progress or the reallocation of resources by occupying a position or asset unnecessarily.

• 4.

  British EnglishGlobal Englishinformaltechnical
  • A person whose continued presence in a healthcare bed prevents timely discharge or transfer of other patients.