Number of patients on trolleys 'out of control' say nurses

681 patients are being treated on trolleys, chairs and in other inappropriate bed spaces according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.

Commenting on today’s trolley figures, INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said:

“The number of patients being treated on trolleys and in other inappropriate bed spaces such as ward corridors continues to be out of control. Since the beginning of January, there has been an average of 631 patients admitted without a bed each day.

“Our members are working through yet another difficult winter, often the ones who have to apologise to patients for long waits and the lack of beds. This could have been avoided if escalation measures were in place sooner.

“Healthcare professionals are delivering patient care under increasingly undignified and unacceptable conditions. This is not the standard of care expected in a country that has the resources to provide additional capacity and support.

“As Government formation talks look to be coming to an end, all those who seek to be members of the next Government must be conscious of the level of persistent overcrowding and the impact it is having on patients, nurses, midwives, and other healthcare workers. Assurances must be given that next winter will be different.

“Nurses and other healthcare staff cannot be expected to endure these challenges without adequate protection and meaningful support from their employers. Without immediate action, this growing strain will drive more staff to leave—a crisis the healthcare system cannot withstand.”