Limerick tops trolley figures again with 138 people awaiting admission 

University Hospital Limerick. Picture: Dan Linehan

University Hospital Limerick (UHL) has recorded the highest number of patients on trolleys countrywide, with 138 people awaiting admission.

The latest Trolley Watch figures, released on Monday by the Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation (INMO), reveal 663 patients are currently waiting for beds in hospitals across the country.

Cork University Hospital ranks second, with 55 patients awaiting beds — 50 in the emergency department and five in other parts of the hospital.

At the Mercy Hospital in Cork, 30 patients are waiting for admission, including 25 in the emergency department and five in other areas.

University Hospital Galway also reported high numbers, with 51 patients on trolleys.

The Limerick figure is close to the record of 150 which was seen in February last year. 

Last week, the Irish Examiner reported that UHL has seen “a huge surge in presentations” with numbers up over 26% since December 20.