The Edinburgh Integration Joint Board and Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership’s 2025/26 Annual Performance Report has been published today, highlighting progress in helping people to live independently at home and reducing pressure on hospitals.
Almost 200 people received enhanced rehabilitation at home during the year, helping them recover and regain their independence. The number of people supported through reablement, which helps individuals rebuild confidence and everyday living skills so they can remain independent at home, more than doubled to 3,678. This was accompanied by a 28% reduction in delayed discharge bed days, meaning more people were able to return home sooner.
The report sets out progress in delivering the Partnership’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, including a continued shift towards community-based care. This has included opening more care home beds, improving the end-of-life care pathway and supporting people to move from long stays in hospital into community accommodation.
Other highlights from the year include:
- Almost 200 people supported with enhanced rehabilitation at home, helping to free up an estimated 46 hospital bed days each day by the end of the year.
- 3,678 people supported through reablement to live more independently – more than double the 1,715 people supported the previous year.
- 28% reduction in time spent delayed in hospital.
Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron DL, Chair, Edinburgh Integration Joint Board said:
“Our purpose remains clear – to provide the best health and social care we can for the people of Edinburgh. It has been a year of significant change and progress, and this report highlights some of the important work taking place across the Partnership.
“I am particularly proud that 19 people have moved on from long stays at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital into supported accommodation, enabling them to live more independent and fulfilling lives in the community.
“This is part of a wider programme to improve mental health services, which will continue into next year.”
Chief Officer Christine Laverty said:
“Our strategic plan sets a clear direction for the years ahead, with a focus on improving outcomes, supporting independence and making the best possible use of our resources.
“I am pleased that, in the first year of the plan, our results show that we are making a positive difference for the people of Edinburgh and reflect the hard work and commitment of colleagues and partners across our health and social care system.”
Read the full 2025/26 Annual Performance Report to find out more about progress across health and social care in Edinburgh.