'He should be a priority being a cancer patient, but he’s just a number, simple as'

Amidst a nationwide trolley crisis, the Irish Examiner visited emergency departments (ED) at Cork University Hospital, and the Mercy Hospital.

While INMO figures show a nationwide decrease in the number of patients on trolleys, from 602 to 578, CUH experienced an increase in its numbers, from 32 to 40 patients waiting for a bed.

A large signpost in the foyer warns visitors entering the ED about the outbreak of winter vomiting bug currently afflicting hospitals. Guests are asked to remember to sterilise their hands frequently, and to avoid visiting if they have nausea or diarrhoea.