The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has stated that hospital capacity and staffing levels need to be boosted to prevent future trolley crises, reports Breaking News.
This follows reports of more than 3,179 patients being admitted to hospitals without a proper bed so far this week, with 657 of them receiving care on trolleys, chairs, or other unsuitable spaces on Friday, reports Breaking News.
On Friday, 657 admitted patients were awaiting beds in hospitals throughout the country, including 108 at University Hospital Limerick, 76 at University Hospital Galway, and 68 at Cork University Hospital.
INMO general secretary Phil Nà Sheaghdha said: “Over 3,179 patients have been admitted to hospital without a bed so far this week. This week was always going to be incredibly busy, but steps can be taken to ensure that we are not in a similar position next year. The aim for 2026 must be more increasing bed capacity and ensuring that all beds are properly staffed, and ensuring that vacant posts are filled across emergency, medical and surgical departments. Unsafe staffing levels will continue to be a feature of winter surges unless we see targeted recruitment and retention plans in each hospital and community care area. Our members want to be able to provide safe care to those who need it, this can only be done if capacity and staffing is increased,” reports Breaking News.
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