Worst August Ever For Overcrowding In Irish Hospitals

The past month has been the worst August ever for overcrowding in Irish hospitals.

Figures released by the INMO reveal that almost 8,000 patients were forced to wait on trolleys over the past number of weeks, with University Hospital Limerick the worst affected by far.

In August, 7,911 patients were admitted to Irish hospitals only to be left waiting on a trolley.

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Of that number, some 969 were at University Hospital Limerick, meaning it accounted for some 12% of the total number nationwide.

In comparison, the same month last year saw 835 patients on trolleys at Dooradoyle, marking an increase of 16%.

It means that once again, UHL has topped the monthly report and is well ahead of the next busiest facility of University Hospital Galway, on 619.

The INMO has put it down to an under staffing crisis, which it’s blaming on poor pay and conditions for nurses.

The organisation will next week hold talks with the HSE and Department of Health to discuss their concerns about the crises facing the health system.