The average length of stay for patients in hospitals in Ireland increased by 12.28% between 2016 and 2022. Most large public hospitals saw an increase in patient stay lengths, with St. James’s Hospital having the longest stay of 10.34 days in 2022. Factors contributing to longer stays include an aging population and the impact of Covid-19. A report suggests that broader research is needed to understand the reasons for longer stays. In response to the findings, the Irish Medical Organization warned against prioritizing savings over necessary health service investment, citing concerns about insufficient beds and healthcare staff to meet patient demand.
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