OVER 650 bed days were lost to delayed discharges at Letterkenny University Hospital in the past six months, the Regional Health Forum heard at its meeting on Tuesday.
The figures were revealed in response to a question by Councillor Gary Doherty.
The HSE also reported that, this week, 38 patients who were medically fit for discharge remained in hospital beds.
The majority of these patients (17) are awaiting transfer to community nursing units, district hospitals or other HSE facilities.
A further 10 patients have approved home support applications and funding but are waiting for carers to become available.
Meanwhile, the average length of stay for patients medically fit for discharge is 26 days.
Cllr Doherty highlighted the wider impact of these delays, including prolonged waiting times in the emergency department, delays in ambulance offloading and cancelled procedures.