Seasonal variation in deaths creates patterns in acute and social care workload

What is it about?

The last year of life is workload intensive for both acute, primary and social care. Monthly deaths give insight into workload variations since the last month of life is the most workload intensive. Deaths (and workload) can be 40% higher in January compared to August. As a result hospitals open and close beds according to seasonal demand.

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Why is it important?

Planning and budgeting require an accurate knowledge of the factors influencing workload. Claims by English Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) that they can close hundreds of acute beds are based on flawed understanding of the difference between occupied and available beds.

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