The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation reported that Limerick, Cork, and Galway hospitals had the highest levels of overcrowding in January. More than 12,000 patients, including 278 children, were without a hospital bed. This was the second-worst January for overcrowding since trolley counts began in 2006. The INMO called for more beds and staff to address the issue and ensure patient safety. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly acknowledged the challenges but noted a 20% decrease in patients on trolleys in the last six months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Funding to alleviate surge pressures in urgent and emergency care has been provided for 2024.
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More than 12,000 patients left without a hospital bed in January
