HSE urges alternatives as CUH and Kerry hospitals overwhelmed by flu and weather injuries

Flu outbreaks, icy conditions and delayed discharges are driving high trolley numbers across hospitals in Cork and Kerry

Cork University Hospital (CUH) had 73 people on trolleys waiting for a bed, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation said on Wednesday. File picture

Hospitals in Cork and Kerry face “unprecedented demand” this week due to the weather and flu outbreaks.

The situation, with almost 130 people in trolleys in the two counties on Wednesday, has led to the HSE asking people to consider other care options if suitable.