bed blocker | Idiomator

Meaning: (chieflyUK,idiomatic,derogatory,medicine,public policy)Anelderlyhospitalizedperson who is tooinfirmto return home but not sufficiently ill tonecessitatecontinuedhospitalization, creating a situation in which his or her hospital stay isprolongedwhile authorities or relatives search for a suitableplacementamid the scarce resources ofnursing homesor otherlong-termcare facilities.2006March 7, Jacqueline Maley, “Court evicts NHS 'bed blocker'”, inThe Guardian, UK, retrieved2 December 2012:A 72-year-old "bed blocker" was yesterday ordered to vacate the hospital bed he has refused to leave for three years, despite being in good health.2008October 10, Eilish O'Regan, “Plan aims to ease cost of nursing home care”, inIrish Independent, retrieved2 December 2012:There will also be a fee charged to a "bed blocker"—someone fit for discharge from an acute hospital but reluctant to go until a nursing home place is provided.2012February 21, “Ontario woman on crusade to demand hospital accountability”, inGlobal News Toronto, Canada, retrieved2 December 2012:Dimitra was slapped with a hospital bill worth $18,238, for taking up an acute car bed for too long. . . . "Maria's mother was desperately ill and needed hospital care and she was treated like abed blocker."

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