More than 9,000 treated on trolley or 'inappropriate space' in Irish hospitals last month

University Hospital Limerick: 2,257 people were treated on trolleys in July. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

More than 9,000 people were treated on a trolley, chair or an 'inappropriate space' in Ireland's hospitals last month.

The figures, provided by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), showed 368 people were left without a bed on Friday.

As has been the case for the majority of the last two years, the worst-affected hospital by the overcrowding crisis was University Hospital Limerick.

Of the 9,271 people treated on trolleys in July, the most were in University Hospital Limerick (2,257 patients); University Hospital Galway (1,146); Cork University Hospital (889); Sligo University Hospital (706); and Letterkenny University Hospital (505)

The data comes just days after it was revealed some 761 attended the emergency departments (ED) in CUH between July 27 and 29 this year, significantly up from the 585 attendances at CUH's ED from July 27 to July 29 in 2024.

A rise in covid-19 cases has contributed to a near-30% seasonal surge in presentations at CUH.

Speaking about the July figures,  INMO general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said nurses and midwives were "disheartened" heading into the autumn and winter.

She said: "They already know they will have to endure the added pressure of flu and other viral infections, including covid.

“Trolleys are no longer just a feature in our EDs; they have now unfortunately become a feature across medical and surgical wards. 

"In the space of 10 years, the number of people receiving care on a trolley outside of the emergency department has risen by 30%. The Government’s capital plan must include expanding the number of beds."

Ms Ní Sheaghdha added members providing care were "under stress and strain" and things did not look to be improving any time soon.

"All signs are pointing towards an extremely busy winter period. Over 68,154 patients have been admitted to an inappropriate care space in our hospitals so far this year and all trends suggest that we will have another record-breaking year for trolley admissions unless urgent measures are taken.

“In the INMO’s pre-budget submission, we have called for a rebalancing of resources toward workforce development, the development of primary care and community services, the promotion of universal healthcare, and the expansion of nurse and midwife-led services. 

"At the same time, addressing the capacity issues, increased bed capacity across the health service, reducing waiting lists, and addressing the privatisation of long-term care. These measures will deliver stronger, more sustainable health outcomes and greater value for every euro spent.

“There is a remedy for perpetual trolley crises if the Government wishes to invest properly in the health service.”