April 2026 has been recorded as the worst April ever for hospital overcrowding, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).
A total of 11,175 patients were left waiting for hospital beds across the country last month, reports Breaking News.
University Hospital Limerick (1,954), University Hospital Galway (1,003), Cork University Hospital (917), and Sligo University Hospital (903) recorded the highest numbers of patients awaiting beds during the month.
The INMO stated that greater investment is required in nurse- and midwife-led services in both acute hospitals and community care settings, reports Breaking News.
The union’s general secretary, Phil Ní Sheaghdha, said “There is no justification for breaking records at this time of year, in what has been a mild month, with no specific crisis disrupting the smooth running of the health service, 11,000 people being treated on trolleys is unacceptable,” reports Breaking News.
“The ongoing deterioration of their working conditions has a significant impact on our members, and we know this influences both their careers and overall wellbeing,” reports Breaking News.
“INMO members are preparing to attend their annual conference, where once again burnout and the consequences of inadequate staffing will be key topics of discussion and debate. Members’ workload, their energy levels, mental resilience and passion for nursing are all constantly affected by deficiencies within the health system,” reports Breaking News.
Ní Sheaghdha added that stress diverts energy and attention away from both personal and professional ambitions, limiting nurses’ ability to progress in their roles and careers.
“It is extremely unfair and a disservice to both members and their patients that these figures are being seen at the start of summer, and the fact that nurses continue to show up and deliver the highest standard of care in these conditions reflects their dedication. It is time for meaningful investment in staffing and capacity across acute and community services instead of continuing to place this psychological burden on nurses and putting patient health and outcomes at risk,” reports Breaking News.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
