A total of 681 patients are being treated on trolleys, chairs, and other inappropriate spaces across Ireland’s hospitals, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).
Phil Ní Sheaghdha, General Secretary of the INMO, described the situation as “out of control,” noting that an average of 631 patients per day have been admitted without a proper bed since the start of January.
“Our members are enduring yet another difficult winter, often left apologising to patients for long waits and the lack of adequate facilities,” Ní Sheaghdha said in a statement.
“This crisis could have been mitigated had escalation measures been implemented sooner.”
He added that healthcare professionals were delivering patient care “under increasingly undignified and unacceptable conditions.”
“This is not the standard of care expected in a country that has the resources to provide additional capacity and support,” he said.
“As Government formation talks look to be coming to an end, all those who seek to be members of the next Government must be conscious of the level of persistent overcrowding and the impact it is having on patients, nurses, midwives, and other healthcare workers. Assurances must be given that next winter will be different.
“Nurses and other healthcare staff cannot be expected to endure these challenges without adequate protection and meaningful support from their employers.”
He added: “Without immediate action, this growing strain will drive more staff to leave—a crisis the healthcare system cannot withstand.”