Number of hospital delayed discharges up 20% in last three weeks

Ellen O'Donoghue

There has been a 20 per cent increase in the number of hospital delayed discharges in the last three weeks, compared to the same period in 2024.

That is according to figures compiled by Labour's Health Spokesperson.

It has also revealed that the number of delayed discharges rose to over 500 each day between March 11th and April 2nd.

Marie Sherlock told Newstalk that more investment in step-down care is needed from the Government.

We need to see proper investment in step-down care facilities. We know there has been delays with regards the community nursing home facility in Killarney, there’s questions about the one in Killarney, concerns in Cork," Sherlock said.

"The reality is that the government have given the HSE less this year to develop community nursing home facilities compared with last year, and I think very serious questions are at the door of the government on why that is the case."