by Louise Doyle
THERE was a 55 per cent increase in the number of people treated in Letterkenny University Hospital without a bed last month compared with January 2006.
That’s according to latest Trolley Watch analysis figures published by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).
According to the figures, 320 patients were treated without a bed in LUH in January 2006. This surged to 497 in January of this year.
The INMO has stated that over 13,972 people have been treated in hospitals without a bed this month, making it the highest month ever recorded for trolley figures.
This figure was recorded after the INMO issued several warnings during the month regarding the consistently high level of overcrowding and the risks associated with flu surges and extreme weather.
The most overcrowded hospitals in January were: University Hospital Limerick – 2,234 patients; Cork University Hospital – 1,573 patients; Galway University Hospital – 1,388 patients; Sligo University Hospital – 852 patients; St Vincent’s University Hospital – 807 patients.
INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said the figures reflect the “worst overcrowding” ever seen.
“There were so few measures taken to reduce overcrowding in January, despite the very clear risks for injury and illness across the country.
“The result has been the worst overcrowding we have ever seen.
“Trolleys have been particularly high over the last week. We are now in yet another bank holiday weekend where the system is totally overwhelmed. It is clear that the HSE has not done everything that they possibly can and that their ‘winter plan’ is failing. The HSE must outline exactly how much private capacity they have acquired from the private sector and confirm that senior decision-makers are on site in each hospital this weekend.”
Ms Ní Sheaghdha said INMO members are expressing exhaustion and demoralisation, only just a few short weeks into the new year.
“Seeing yet another staggering record broken tells our members the situation is being permitted to get even worse for them and for their patients.
“Nurses and midwives have voted in favour of industrial action because they know that the current recruitment obstacles and the attitude to staffing that’s behind it absolutely need to change under the new government.
“This has been an extremely dangerous and disappointing start to 2025 for nurses, midwives and patients alike. The new government must be laser focused on safe staffing, increasing bed capacity and fulfilling its basic duties for a viable health service and safe workplaces, before this situation is allowed to get even worse.”
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