Delayed discharges ‘frightening’, Labour says as pressure mounts on hospitals

Opposition raises alarm over sustained rise in delayed discharges, warning of growing pressure on emergency departments and older patients

The party said that for 23 consecutive days between March 11 and April 2, the number of delayed discharges across Irish hospitals exceeded 500 each day. Picture: Jeff Moore/PA Wire

The Labour Party has called on the Government to take action on the rising number of delayed hospital discharges in Ireland.

It said that for 23 consecutive days between March 11 and April 2, the number of delayed discharges across Irish hospitals exceeded 500 each day.

These figures were, the party said in a release today, over 20% higher than the same period in 2024.

It also claimed the Government is “planning for even greater failure” this year, as HSE capital spending for community care for older persons is 6% less in 2026 compared with 2025.

It said this raises serious concerns about the rapid rise in delayed discharges over the past month and the “very real concerns” for the admission of patients, in particular older patients, into acute hospital care.

Labour health spokesperson Marie Sherlock said: “Far too many patients are effectively stuck in hospital because of an absence of step down care.

“Failure to invest in step down beds and community facilities is coming home to roost, with an appalling knock on impact for those who need to be admitted into hospital.

“The rapid rise in delayed discharges is absolutely frightening.

“This is having a very real impact on the length of waiting time to be seen in ED’s.

“Last Sunday night, for example, 95 patients across the country had to wait 24 hours or longer to be admitted. 12 of those patients were over the age of 75.

“This is an outrageous wait for any person, let alone an older and potentially much more vulnerable person.” 

She added: "We need to see a rapid response plan from the Government working in tandem with hospitals on how they will reduce delayed discharges.

“We need a serious increase in HSE funding to develop step down care facilities."