Cork University Hospital has highest number on trolleys

Cork University Hospital (CUH) had the highest number of patients on trolleys in Ireland yesterday, as a healthcare union said that the high figures across Ireland during the summer were very concerning.

Latest trolley figures circulated by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) showed 60 people on trolleys in CUH yesterday, with Cork’s main hospital overtaking University Hospital Limerick (UHL), which had 57 people on trolleys.

UHL usually has the highest figures in the country, followed by Cork and Galway University Hospital, where 54 patients were on trolleys yesterday.

By contrast, there were just two people on trolleys in Mercy University Hospital and one in Bantry General Hospital.

So far in August, 317 people have been treated on trolleys in CUH, with an average of 40 people on trolleys per day.

INMO general secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha said: “Roadblocks to recruitment must be removed now, and not in four months’ time when these hospitals will undoubtedly be experiencing additional pressure.

“The situation is going to lead to miserable conditions for patients and unsafe working environments for staff, all of which can be prevented with adequate planning.”