Record July overcrowding sees 10,300 patients left without hospital beds

Figures from smaller hospitals also indicate a significant pressure on capacity, as fewer trolley numbers can reflect limited space in emergency departments and wards rather than lower demand. File picture

Hospitals have recorded their busiest July on record, with more than 10,300 patients left waiting on trolleys or chairs for a bed, prompting nurses to warn that the figures should serve as "a huge red flag" ahead of winter.

University Hospital Limerick was identified as operating at what the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation described as "major incident" levels of overcrowding.

INMO figures show that 2,172 patients went without a bed at UHL during July, the highest number recorded at any hospital in the country.

The next most overcrowded hospital was University Hospital Galway, where 919 people were waiting on trolleys.

Cork University Hospital was also under pressure, with 621 people  on trolleys last month. 

At the Mercy University Hospital, 190 people were without a bed.

Figures from smaller hospitals also indicate a significant pressure on capacity, as fewer trolley numbers can reflect limited space in emergency departments and wards rather than lower demand.

At University Hospital Kerry, 332 patients were left waiting for a bed during July, while the figure at Tipperary University Hospital in Clonmel was 490, according to the INMO.

By contrast, 26 patients were recorded on trolleys at University Hospital Waterford during the month.

INMO general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said: “This July has been like no other for nurses and midwives working in our public health system."

She claimed staff have been left feeling undervalued as they struggle with low pay. 

She noted UHL has already advised people to seek care options other than the emergency department, if possible.

HSE South West has urged patients to look out for all healthcare options and keep emergency services for people in crisis.

Ms Ní Sheaghdha warned: “The fact that these type of announcements are being made in the middle of summer is a huge red flag warning for what’s to come in winter.” 

In relation to Limerick, she said: "The HSE need to ensure that senior decision makers are on site over the weekend and well into the coming weeks. The HSE must deploy all resources necessary and act as they would in a major incident.” 

HSE Midwest and the HSE were approached for comment.