It's been revealed that some local hospital patients who no longer need acute medical care have been waiting up to two years to be discharged.
The delays are due to a shortage of suitable nursing home and community care places across the country.
Figures obtained by Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín show one patient has spent around two years in Sligo University Hospital despite being medically ready to leave.
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While another patient has waited between a year and 14 months at Mullingar Hospital.
Health officials warn that these long stays are putting extra strain on already full hospital wards.
There are renewed calls for more step-down and residential care options to free up vital hospital beds.
