Record levels of overcrowding at Cork University Hospital

INMO Assistant Director of Industrial Relations for the Southern region, Colm Porter said: 'This situation is putting immense pressure on timely healthcare delivery.' File Picture: Chani Anderson

Cork University Hospital (CUH) is facing record levels of overcrowding, with 98 patients without a bed on Tuesday, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).

Across the country, 641 patients are waiting on trolleys, 444 of which are in emergency departments.

INMO Assistant Director of Industrial Relations for the Southern region, Colm Porter said the latest figures are "gravely concerning", and causing "immense pressure" on the healthcare system.

“Despite their best efforts to ensure safe care, our members are facing overwhelming patient numbers in the Emergency Department, further compounded by a staffing shortage worsened by the HSE’s ongoing recruitment freeze. 

"This situation is putting immense pressure on timely healthcare delivery," he said.

Mr Porter called on HSE South West to outline the necessary steps to increase hospital capacity for Cork City. 

“With over 14 patients on trolleys in Mercy University Hospital, clearly there is no release valve left with patients on trolleys in the emergency department and across wards in both major hospitals in the city," he said.

"We need immediate de-escalation, a focus on discharge and curtailment of admissions.”