Regional workforce figures show that during the same period there was only a marginal change in the numbers of districtnursing staff across the region.
Evidence suggests they would be better cared for at home, but that requires investment in NHS community services, such as districtnursing, and social care support from councils.
That can mean they turf people out before they are ready or before the support in the community from districtnursing teams and social care is in place.
Even just a little more collaboration could make a difference as there is a great deal of cross over between the two sectors - particularly within NHS community services such as districtnursing.