How Lasting Power of Attorney Could Help Solve the NHS Bed Blocking Crisis

07th August 2025

Updated:

22nd September 2025

Hospital bed blocking, or delayed discharge, is one of the most persistent challenges facing the NHS. It occurs when a patient is medically fit to leave hospital but can’t be discharged due to a lack of appropriate care arrangements. This often stems from the need for home adaptations, placement in care homes or formal decisions around ongoing treatment and support. A lesser-known but crucial factor in this delay is the absence of a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).

An LPA allows an individual (the donor) to appoint someone they trust (an attorney) to make decisions on their behalf if they lose the capacity to do so. This includes decisions about health and welfare, such as medical treatment, living arrangements and care plans, as well as property and financial affairs.

What Is Bed Blocking in the NHS?

Bed blocking happens when patients who are ready to leave hospital cannot be discharged because essential care or legal arrangements aren’t in place. With NHS hospitals under increasing pressure, delays in discharge cost both time and money, impacting the care of other patients waiting for treatment.

How a Lasting Power of Attorney Speeds Up Decision-Making

When someone lacks mental capacity and doesn’t have a Power of Attorney, healthcare professionals may need to seek decisions from the Court of Protection, a process that is lengthy, stressful, and expensive. With a registered LPA, attorneys can act immediately, whether that means consenting to a care home placement, arranging home support or signing off treatment plans.

Why LPAs Help with NHS Discharge Planning

Discharge planning requires coordination between hospital staff, social services and families. Without an LPA, even simple authorisations, like signing a care home contract or funding a care package, can stall the process. Attorneys appointed under an LPA have the legal power to approve and organise these arrangements quickly, helping patients return home or move into care without unnecessary delays.

The Role of Power of Attorney in Supporting Families

Many people assume that spouses or next of kin can automatically make decisions, but this isn’t true. Without an LPA, families often face confusion, frustration, and legal barriers at the worst possible time. A Health and Welfare LPA or Property and Financial Affairs LPA gives loved ones the authority they need to make decisions confidently and reduce stress during hospital discharge.

How LPAs Can Save the NHS Time and Money

Every hospital bed costs the NHS hundreds of pounds per day. NHS England reports that thousands of patients remain in hospital unnecessarily due to delayed discharges. By enabling families to act quickly and legally, LPAs can ease the pressure on hospitals, free up vital resources and improve patient flow across the system.

Planning Ahead: Why Everyone Should Consider an LPA

It’s vital to remember that LPAs can only be set up while you still have mental capacity. That’s why experts, including Martin Lewis, recommend applying for a Power of Attorney early: he set his up at 35. LPAs aren’t just for older people; unexpected accidents or illnesses can affect anyone. Planning ahead ensures your loved ones are empowered to act when it matters most.

Start Your UK Power of Attorney Online Today

Bed blocking is a complex problem with many causes, but having more people set up a Lasting Power of Attorney could make a meaningful difference. By preparing early with services like Power of Attorney Online, families can avoid unnecessary delays, protect their loved ones and even help relieve pressure on the NHS.

Start your LPA today for just £99 and secure peace of mind for you and your family.