INMO warns that hospital overcrowding is not letting up

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Pressure on nurses has not been letting up as hospital overcrowding remains extremely high the INMO has warned.

There are more than 600 people on trolleys in Irish hospitals today, including 13 children.

University Hospital Galway is the third most overcrowded in the country, with 51 patients admitted with no beds available.

There are 48 people on trolleys in UHG’s emergency department, and another 3 in the wards.

Fortunately things are better at Portiuncula Hospital, for today at least, as there are just two patients on trolleys there today.

“We are still seeing extremely high numbers of patients being admitted to hospital without a bed. Over 2,329 people have been on trolleys so far this week,” said Phil Ní Sheaghdha, INMO General Secretary.

She added that the pressure on their members is not letting up, particularly in the west and midwest.

“The number of children who are on trolleys is particularly concerning, with a 500% increase on the same day last year.”

“We are seeing regular patterns of high instances of children on trolleys. This needs to be tackled.”

“The HSE and Department of Health need to outline what exact measures they will be taking in order to minimise this level of overcrowding throughout the rest of the month and April.”

University Hospital Limerick is by far the worst offender, as there are a staggering 100 patients on trolleys there today.