Nursing Space Shortage Strains Iceland’s Healthcare System
2026-02-20 - 15:45
Landspítali hospital continues to face delays in discharging patients, as more than 100 people await placement in nursing homes. As reported by RÚV, Hildur Helgadóttir, a nurse on the discharge team at Landspítali, said the current situation is ongoing. “The problem is that it always adds up so quickly that it’s such a long run. A 100-person nursing home would have to open tomorrow. But that’s just unrealistic.” What's the Story? 106 patients awaiting nursing home placement at Landspítali; 118 reported the previous week Around 30 discharged in the past week, with 10–15 new cases added weekly to the waiting list Measures proposed by the Ministry of Health, including use of private clinic beds and part of the hospital hotel At the Grund nursing home for the elderly. Photo: Golli. Iceland Review. Discharge Bottleneck Deepens Figures show that 118 patients were waiting for nursing space a week ago, compared with 106 yesterday. Although around 30 individuals were discharged over the past week to their homes, nursing facilities or other healthcare institutions, an additional 10 to 15 people are added to the waiting list each week. Seven nurses currently work to coordinate discharges from emergency and inpatient wards. According to Hildur, the pressure affects hospital operations more broadly. “There has been a growing pressure for several months now on these skills and health assessment issues. The manifestation is in the emergency room, as people know, but it is also very complicated in the inpatient wards. There is always a review of whether surgeries need to be postponed. It has become like needing size 40 shoes but always wearing size 37 shoes.” The Ministry of Health has proposed measures including negotiations with private clinics and repurposing part of the hospital hotel. Hildur said: “But the problem is so big that it will take a long time to get rid of this and larger resources will need to be put in place rather than just a few places here and there. Of course, it’s all in the works, but it won’t happen that quickly.”