525 patients on trolleys this week in Cork prompts call for more beds and staff

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has called for an increase in hospital beds and staffing, with 525 patients treated on trolleys in Cork this week.

Daily trolley figures compiled by the union show that 366 of these were treated in Cork University Hospital, 108 in Mercy University Hospital, and 51 in Bantry General Hospital.

The busiest day in Cork was Thursday, when 123 patients, including 82 at the CUH, were treated on trolleys, chairs, or other inappropriate bed spaces.

INMO general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said that, nationally, more than 3,170 patients have been admitted to hospitals across the country without a bed so far this week.

“This week was always going to be incredibly busy, but steps can be taken to ensure that we are not in a similar position next year,” said Ms Ní Sheaghdha.

“The aim for 2026 must be more increasing bed capacity, ensuring that all beds are properly staffed, and ensuring that vacant posts are filled across emergency, medical, and surgical departments.

“We know that there is less staff to deal with the growing demand in our health system and that it has a knock-on impact on both patient and staff safety,” she added.

“Unsafe staffing levels will continue to be a feature of winter surges, unless we see targeted recruitment and retention plans in each hospital and community care area,” Ms Ní Sheaghdha said.

“Our members want to be able to provide safe care to those who need it.

“This can only be done if capacity and staffing is increased.”