How Pathway Finders Help Reduce NHS Delayed Discharges

Published: July 2025 Author: Paul Kincaid, Founder of Pathway Finders

The Problem: Delayed Discharges in Mental Health and Complex Care

Across England, delayed discharges continue to put immense pressure on NHS beds—especially in mental health units, where patients often face extended stays due to the lack of suitable community placements. For individuals with autism, learning disabilities, or forensic histories, the problem is even worse.

The result?

• Blocked beds

• Wasted resources

• Distressed patients and families

• Stretched clinical teams

That’s where Pathway Finders comes in.

Our Solution: A Fast, Targeted Referral Support Service

At Pathway Finders, we specialise in sourcing specialist community placements across the UK. We’re not just a directory — we work in real time, responding to referrals from NHS Trusts, ICB discharge teams, social workers, and community psychiatry services.

We reduce discharge delays by:

• ✅ Matching individuals with pre-vetted, CQC-registered providers

• ✅ Coordinating directly with providers to secure availability

• ✅ Supporting completion of referral packs and transition planning

• ✅ Providing placement options in as little as 24–72 hours

  
  

Who We Support

We focus on patients who are typically hardest to place, including those with:

• Autism and LD diagnoses

• Forensic step-down needs

• Complex trauma or behaviours that challenge

• Dual diagnosis (mental health + substance use)

These are the cases that often sit on “delayed discharge” lists for months. We aim to change that.

No Cost to the NHS

Our model is simple:

• We charge no fees to NHS or local authorities.

• Our income comes from pre-approved care providers once a placement is successfully made.

• This ensures our service remains impartial, efficient, and sustainable.

  
  

Real Results, Real Lives

In just the last quarter, Pathway Finders has:

• Reduced discharge timelines by up to 6 weeks on average

• Placed individuals who had been stuck in secure units for over 18 months

• Helped ICBs meet KPIs around least restrictive environments and person-centred care

Join Us in Improving Patient Flow

We’re currently working with several NHS Trusts and ICBs across England, and we’re ready to expand our support.

If you’re a mental health discharge lead, community liaison officer, or local authority commissioner — we’d love to connect.

📞 Book a free 15-minute consultation today, Email us at referrals@pathwayfinders.com 🌐 www.pathwayfinders.com

Together, we can reduce hospital delays — and help people move on to the care they truly need.