Almost 500 patients on trolleys- CUH worst affected hospital 

Close to 500 admitted patients are waiting for hospital beds around the country this morning with Cork University Hospital (CUH) worst affected.

According to figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), 58 patients are waiting for beds at CUH. It’s followed closely by University Hospital Limerick where 55 patients are on trolleys.

Elsewhere in Cork, 17 admitted patients are waiting for beds at the Mercy University Hospital, with a further 11 patients waiting at Bantry General Hospital.

Last night, the National Public Health Emergency Team announced that the HSE would be moving to a community testing model for assessment and investigation of suspect cases of COVID-19. These cases will be assessed in their home by National Ambulance Service staff, which the team said would ensure “hospital avoidance” and limit and infection spread.