Consultants call for change to system of discharging patients from hospitals

The system increases the number of healthcare workers who can discharge a patient based on certain criteria. At the moment Irish hospitals rely on the admitting consultant solely to make that decision.

Pre-approved patients can be discharged after treatment once they meet specific evidence-based clinical criteria. Staff including non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHD) could make the decision. 

Health and social care professionals could also oversee a discharge.

IHCA President, Professor Gabrielle Colleran said: “While (this system) is not a silver bullet, its widespread adoption is a necessary step in addressing emergency care bottlenecks and hospital congestion.” 

The IHCA highlighted growing pressures on hospitals, with admissions rising by 73,000 patients last year. Some 72% of these came through emergency departments.

They also said a more predictable process would help patients and their families as people could plan for the next steps.

Prof Colleran said: “Criteria-led discharging is a proven, safe practice that can help reduce unnecessary delays and improve patient care.” 

She welcomed “recent progress in reducing waiting lists and increasing hospital capacity” but said this system would be “a significant step” towards more efficient hospitals.

She pointed out it has previously been recommended by “multiple HSE policy documents”.