Government proposes new payment system for municipalities over hospital discharge delays in Faroe Islands

The government plans to demand payment from municipalities for individuals who have completed hospital treatment but cannot leave due to a lack of accommodation. This proposal is set to be introduced in the parliament in February next year.

The intention is for municipalities or relevant authorities to cover expenses when no care at home or suitable living arrangements are available post-treatment. Similar systems are already in place in neighboring countries.

Legislation concerning the hospital system will need to be amended to allow for such charges.

This issue is not new. Ten years ago, Karsten Hansen, then the Minister of Health, sought to propose a payment system from municipalities for patients who had completed their hospital treatment. A bill was submitted to parliament in 2015 but ultimately failed.

As of April 30 this year, seven individuals in the Faroe Islands remained in hospitals despite being medically cleared, with some having stayed for up to eight months due to lacking alternatives. Margit Stórá, the Minister of Health, disclosed this information in response to a question from parliament member Helga Abrahamsen.

The situation has remained consistent since tracking began in 2020. Up until April of this year, 47 patients who were medically cleared have been hospitalized, including eight under the age of 67 and 39 over the age of 67, totaling 876 bed days just this year.