A&E overcrowding means trolley numbers hit all-time high of 455

SEVERE overcrowding in some A&E units pushed patient trolley numbers to an all-time high of 455 yesterday, according to the Irish Nurses Organisation (INO).

INO deputy general secretary David Hughes said union members had expected the numbers to increase this week following the cold snap but were surprised when it reached 455.

“The Health Service Executive (HSE) said the cold snap had nothing to do with the A&E problem. Now they are describing the situation as a temporary spike. Well then winter is a spike, we get winter every year,” he said.