Elderly individuals and their relatives in Iceland are increasingly concerned about being held in hospitals for months, as the country faces a severe shortage of nursing care facilities. Elísa Finnsdóttir highlights the sadness expressed by those affected, who are frustrated that the issue has not been addressed sooner by health authorities. Many fear being admitted to hospitals like Landspítali, which has maintained a red preparedness status for nearly a year and a half due to overwhelming patient loads.

The situation has prompted alarm among hospital staff, with reports describing a disaster-like state in the emergency department. Currently, 115 patients at Landspítali are waiting for nursing care spaces, leading to widespread concerns about the implications for elderly care. The health minister has announced plans for more care spaces, but the existing provisions appear insufficient given the growing demand for such facilities and the operational strain on hospitals.

The need for urgent action is underscored by the experiences shared by individuals who have witnessed friends and family members languish in hospital settings. The insufficient number of nursing care spaces, currently just six more being allocated, underscores the inadequacy of the response to the crisis. Stakeholders from various sectors are calling for immediate measures to improve the healthcare infrastructure and ensure that elderly citizens can receive proper care without the fear of being confined in hospitals indefinitely.