Overcrowding at Irish hospitals 'now a humanitarian issue'

The INMO has today said that Ireland's hospital crisis is now "a humanitarian issue".

The number of people waiting on trolleys and in overflow areas of wards has swelled to 644 this afternoon - an increase of more 100 people compared to yesterday's figures.

A total of 55 people were waiting on hospital beds at University Hospital Galway today, followed closely by Cork University Hospital (54) and University Hospital Limerick (43).

Deputy General Secretary of the INMO David Hughes said that the country's health system is now at crisis point.

"Nurses are at burnout and we really are into the stage now where this is a humanitarian issue," he said.

"Patients are not getting the treatment or proper accommodation in hospitals that they deserve.

"It's just wrong, and something drastic has to be done."

- Digital desk