University Hospital of North Norway reports long waits for psychiatric patients

Psychiatric patients at the Åsgård department of the University Hospital of North Norway (UNN) are facing significant delays in discharge. On average, patients who are ready to be discharged remain in the hospital for 66 days.

Department head and specialist psychologist Vemund Myrbakk confirmed that there is always a ward occupied by patients who should not be there. Clinical chief Eirik Stellander noted that these delays negatively impact patient flow, service quality, the working environment, and the hospital's economy.

A broader investigation revealed that at least eight health trusts in Norway have psychiatric patients remaining in hospitals despite doctors deeming them ready for discharge, in some cases for over a year. One patient in Helse Møre og Romsdal has reportedly waited over four years for housing outside the hospital. Over the last six years, Norwegian municipalities have been billed more than half a billion kroner due to these discharge-ready patients.