Trolley crisis: CUH third worst in country, hospital reports 'significant overcrowding'

CORK University Hospital had the third highest number of patients on trolleys this morning, according to the latest Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) figures.

45 patients in CUH were waiting on beds this morning.

The hospital has issued a statement to say the Emergency Department is experiencing "significant overcrowding" and is asking members of the public to only attend the ED if they are seriously ill.

"The Emergency Department (ED) at Cork University Hospital is currently experiencing significant overcrowding. 

"Management at the hospital is asking members of the public to only attend in the case of a genuine emergency, advising that, where possible, a GP or Southdoc out of hours service or Local Injury Unit be consulted in the first instance. 

"We are asking people to think about all their care and treatment options and keep our ED services for the patients who need them most.

"The Emergency Department has been coming under continuing pressure with high numbers presenting with a variety of complex needs," the statement read. 

The hospital continued to add that "if members of the public are seriously injured or ill or are worried that your life is at risk the ED will assess and treat you as a priority."

CUH is currently working to prioritise the discharge of patients as soon as possible where appropriate.

The hospital has apologised for any inconvenience caused. 

As the trolley crisis continues, 518 patients in Irish hospitals were left without beds today.