Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Highest number of patients on trolleys since start of the pandemic

506 admitted patients were waiting for beds this morning.

Updated: 2.50pm

The number of patients on hospital trolleys has reached its highest point since the beginning of of the pandemic, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation. 

A total of 506 admitted patients were waiting for beds this morning, according to the union’s figures.

393 patients are waiting in the emergency department, while 113 are in wards elsewhere in the hospital.

The largest number was recorded in University Hospital Limerick, where there are 91 patients on trolleys – the highest daily figure for any hospital since the start of the pandemic.

Letterkenny University Hospital had 57 patients on trolleys this morning, with 21 within the emergency department and 36 on wards elsewhere.

 The worst-affected hospitals include:

  • University Hospital Limerick: 54
  • Letterkenny University Hospital: 57
  • Cork University Hospital: 46
  • University Hospital Galway: 29
  • Mercy University Hospital, Cork: 28
  • St James’ Hospital, Dublin: 27

There have previously been warnings from the union that overcrowding while Covid-19 remains present in hospitals is particulaly dangerous for staff and patients. 

According to the INMO, it records patients who may also be on chairs, in waiting rooms, or “simply wherever there’s space” in the hospital that morning. 

INMO General Secretary, Phil Ní Sheaghdha said staff and patients are being put “at risk” by the the rising trolley numbers. 

“An INMO survey last week showed that over 90% of nurses and midwives are facing burnout. We have a workforce that is completely exhausted and today’s figures indicate that it is only going to get worse if overcrowding is allowed to escalate over the coming months.

She added: “The situation that existed in early 2020 is upon us again albeit for different reasons, and the same measures must be taken- curtailment of services and assistance from the private hospitals- an exhausted workforce cannot be asked to do the impossible.

“Following on from today’s Budget we must see a concrete plan for keeping patients and staff in our hospital safe over the winter months.”

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
12 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tommy Browne
    Favourite Tommy Browne
    Report
    Jun 26th 2017, 3:59 PM

    A lovely tribute if he was immortalized in writing.
    No doubt a memorial to all those who lost their lives will be forthcoming also.
    Lest we forget.

    71
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute billy Dorney
    Favourite billy Dorney
    Report
    Jun 26th 2017, 6:09 PM

    Nice touch

    24
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds