Nurses say there’s been an 81% increase in trolley numbers at the region’s main hospital over the past five years.
The latest trolley watch analysis from the INMO shows the level of overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick has been steadily increasing during the month of February.
Ennis General Hospital has also seen a jump in trolley numbers.
1,286 patients were left waiting for beds at University Hospital Limerick during the month of February, according to the latest figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.
The figure represents a 32% increase on the same month last year, and an 81% jump on just five years ago.
Ennis General Hospital saw trolley numbers increase by 11, compared to February last year, but numbers at the county hospital are down by 56 on 2015.
Nationally, 10,446 patients lined corridors and waiting rooms in Irish hospitals last month, with University Hospital Limerick the busiest in the country once again.
The INMO has hit out over the numbers saying members are being forced to provide care in appalling conditions.
The nurses union has asked the health spokespeople of all major political parties to lift the recruitment embargo, insisting that whatever the make-up of the next government, this obstacle to safe staffing is removed immediately.
