UNN faces prolonged stays for discharge-ready psychiatric patients, straining capacity and budgets

Data gathered by VG shows that psychiatric patients at UNN's Åsgård hospital are staying an average of 66 days after clinicians consider them ready for discharge, a figure three times the national average. Clinic chief Eirik Stellander says the prolonged occupancy undermines patient flow, service quality, staff working conditions and the institution’s finances. Department head and psychologist Vemund Myrbakk notes that beds are constantly occupied by patients who should have left, and that many patients lack suitable housing, leading to extended hospital stays.

Tromsø municipality, which funds the hospital, incurs the highest per-resident costs for these cases, though exact monetary amounts are not disclosed. The hospital’s overall occupancy exceeds 100%, far above the recommended 85% threshold, prompting difficult prioritisation decisions. Both the health authority and the municipality are urged to cooperate on sustainable discharge solutions.