Hospital overcrowding: Over 9,200 people on trolleys in July

Michael Bolton

Figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) show there were 9,271 patients treated on trolleys in July.

The hospital with the highest number of patients not treated on a bed was University Hospital Limerick (UHL), with 2,257 patients.

Some 1,146 people were treated on trolleys in University Hospital Galway, with 889 people without a bed at Cork University Hospital.

INMO general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said action is needed ahead of the autumn.

“The figures speak for themselves, and high trolley numbers in summer only send a negative message to our healthcare workers and the people of this country. Nurses and midwives are disheartened heading into the autumn winter period, and they already know they will have to endure the added pressure of flu and other viral infections including COVID.

“Trolleys are no longer just a feature in our emergency departments, they have now unfortunately become a feature across medical and surgical wards. In the space of ten years, the number of people receiving care on a trolley outside of the emergency department has risen by 30%. The Government’s capital plan must include expanding the number of beds.

“Our members are already providing care under stress and strain due to hospital overcrowding and that has a negative impact on them and the patients in their care.

"The union has repeatedly called on the HSE for a commitment to building up our community services across the island to ensure we are set for seasons when we know there will be in increase in infections and increased hospital overcrowding.

“All signs are pointing towards an extremely busy winter period. Over 68,154 patients have been admitted to an inappropriate care space in our hospitals so far this year and all trends suggest that we will have another record-breaking year for trolley admissions unless urgent measures are taken.

“In the INMO’s pre-budget submission we have called for a rebalancing of resources toward workforce development, the development of primary care and community services, the promotion of universal healthcare, and the expansion of nurse and midwife-led services. At the same time addressing the capacity issues, increased bed capacity across the health service, reducing waiting lists and addressing the privatisation of long-term care.

"These measures will deliver stronger, more sustainable health outcomes and greater value for every euro spent.

“There is a remedy for perpetual trolley crises if the Government wishes to invest properly in the health service.”

On Friday, there were 368 people without a bed, with 65 people at UHL being treated on trolleys.