Hospital trolley figure eclipsed 2006 ‘national emergency’ level 43 times this year alone

It was declared a “national emergency” when 495 were recorded on hospital trollies in 2006. But yesterday marked the 43rd time this year that tally has been topped, leading to calls for the Government to admit the crisis is out of control.

Doctors, nurses, and opposition parties have insisted Health Minister Simon Harris face reality.

Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation figures published in today’s Irish Examiner show since Ms Harney’s “national emergency” label 12 years ago, there has been a consistent upward surge in overcrowding.