Worst August for overcrowding as University Hospital Limerick tops table

UNIVERSITY Hospital Limerick was the most overcrowded hospital in the country in August as a worrying new record was set for the number of patients on trolleys for the month. 

It was the worst August on record for overcrowding in Irish hospitals with over 9,720 patients admitted to hospital without a bed. 

Figures released by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation show that a total of 1,885 patients were on trolleys in UHL in August, the highest in the country. 

The statement also showed that the number of children on trolleys is escalating with over 167 children admitted to hospital without a bed throughout the month of August. 

INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said: "There’s no doubt this winter is going to continue the pattern of difficult and dangerous times in our hospitals. 

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"The summer period used to see an easing off in overcrowding figures but this year numbers admitted to inappropriate spaces, trolleys and chairs have been alarmingly high too early in the season.

"The new so-called target of no more than 320 people on trolleys set by HSE was only achieved on five days this year.  

"Last year was the previous record for August overcrowding, and the winter that followed was honestly beyond what we could have imagined.

"This August is somehow worse again, and our members are worried, for themselves, and for their patients, about what is in store for them over the coming months."