495 - The record number of patients left on trollies

THE Irish Nurses’ Organisation (INO) last night called for the indefinite cancellation of all non-emergency surgery.

The crisis in the country’s A&E wards reached record levels - leaving almost 500 patients waiting on trolleys.

INO general secretary Liam Doran demanded the Government open all closed beds, recruit more staff, and provide emergency funding to tackle the growing problem which, he said, was endangering patients.