Menu
27/09/2012
'Medically Fit' Hospital Patients Stuck In Limbo
A new report has revealed that patients declared fit for hospital discharge are still occupying wards more than six months later.
It is understood some 680 mostly elderly people, who no longer need hospital treatment, cannot be discharged and are stuck in limbo.
Delays in providing outside supports like a nursing home place, home care packages or rehabilitation are being blamed.
Around 300 of these patients were forced to spend more than a month longer in hospital than they needed to.
Michael Harty of Home and Community Care Ireland, which represents home care providers, estimates that the entire bill for looking after 680 such patients could run to nearly €550,000 a night. This would buy 25,000 hours of home care, the Irish Independent reported.
It comes as the HSE said another 852 other hospital beds are also out of bounds and are closed due to cost cutting, refurbishment or infection control.
The report to the Dail Committee on Public Accounts showed that Dublin hospitals had the highest number of patients who could be discharged if there was a suitable facility or home support for them to go to.
(H)
It is understood some 680 mostly elderly people, who no longer need hospital treatment, cannot be discharged and are stuck in limbo.
Delays in providing outside supports like a nursing home place, home care packages or rehabilitation are being blamed.
Around 300 of these patients were forced to spend more than a month longer in hospital than they needed to.
Michael Harty of Home and Community Care Ireland, which represents home care providers, estimates that the entire bill for looking after 680 such patients could run to nearly €550,000 a night. This would buy 25,000 hours of home care, the Irish Independent reported.
It comes as the HSE said another 852 other hospital beds are also out of bounds and are closed due to cost cutting, refurbishment or infection control.
The report to the Dail Committee on Public Accounts showed that Dublin hospitals had the highest number of patients who could be discharged if there was a suitable facility or home support for them to go to.
(H)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 June 2013
Protection Of Life During Pregnancy Bill Published
The Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill has been published by the government following approval by the Cabinet. Several significant changes have been made to the outline of the Bill, which was published in April. The Minister for Health will be given the power to stop suspended an institution if deemed to be operating the Act inappropriately.
Protection Of Life During Pregnancy Bill Published
The Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill has been published by the government following approval by the Cabinet. Several significant changes have been made to the outline of the Bill, which was published in April. The Minister for Health will be given the power to stop suspended an institution if deemed to be operating the Act inappropriately.
29 January 2008
Monaghan Hospital Facing Cuts
Cost saving proposals will have a severe impact on services, including those in accident and emergency services at Monaghan Hospital. The move is a part of proposed cost savings in overall north eastern health services.
Monaghan Hospital Facing Cuts
Cost saving proposals will have a severe impact on services, including those in accident and emergency services at Monaghan Hospital. The move is a part of proposed cost savings in overall north eastern health services.
07 September 2011
Major Belfast Casualty Unit To Close
An apparent 'temporary' move to close a busy south Belfast Accident & Emergency (A&E) facility has been described as being 'safety-led' by a Northern politician.
Major Belfast Casualty Unit To Close
An apparent 'temporary' move to close a busy south Belfast Accident & Emergency (A&E) facility has been described as being 'safety-led' by a Northern politician.
15 April 2008
Donegal Cancer Patients For Altnagelvin?
Seriously ill Donegal people may soon be able to avail of the latest hi-tech care across the border in Northern Ireland. Inishowen cancer patients could soon be availing of radiation services at Derry's Altnagelvin Hospital.
Donegal Cancer Patients For Altnagelvin?
Seriously ill Donegal people may soon be able to avail of the latest hi-tech care across the border in Northern Ireland. Inishowen cancer patients could soon be availing of radiation services at Derry's Altnagelvin Hospital.
01 March 2016
INMO Data Reveals Over 500 Patients Waiting On Trolleys
Over 500 patients are either on trolleys in hospital emergency departments or on wards waiting for beds, according to new figures. Data collected by the Irish Nurses and Midwives' Organisation (INMO) revealed there are a total of 544 patients waiting.
INMO Data Reveals Over 500 Patients Waiting On Trolleys
Over 500 patients are either on trolleys in hospital emergency departments or on wards waiting for beds, according to new figures. Data collected by the Irish Nurses and Midwives' Organisation (INMO) revealed there are a total of 544 patients waiting.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with good clear spells bringing a rural frost for some and some fog patches in places. Cloudier around the coast of Country Down where the odd light shower may develop. Northerly breezes persisting. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
