INMO Warns Of Summer Trolley Crisis As Over 600 Left Without Beds

Trolley crisis worst at University Hospital Limerick

According to the latest INMO figures, released on Tuesday, 4 August, University Hospital Limerick was the most overcrowded hospital in the country with 130 patients on trolleys. There were 51 patients on trolleys at Letterkenny University Hospital and 43 at Cork University Hospital. Overall, 388 patients were on trolleys in emergency departments, with a further 229 waiting in other wards.

INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said the situation was “outrageous”, warning that the HSE had “failed to heed the warnings” of the union throughout the summer.

The fact that we have over 617 patients being treated on trolleys, chairs and in other inappropriate bed spaces this morning following the August Bank Holiday is outrageous.

Ms Ní Sheaghdha said the staffing embargo was "directly undermining" the planned opening of additional beds and called on the Minister for Health to intervene immediately. Sinn Féin health spokesperson David Cullinane TD said the figures showed overcrowding was now a "permanent, year-round crisis". For more Irish news, stay with joe.ie.