2018 was worst year on record for overcrowding, figures show

LAST year was the worst on record for hospital overcrowding, according to new figures released by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.

The INMO, which has been keeping a record of the number of patients on trolleys in Irish hospitals since 2004, said that some 108,227 patients in 2018 were forced to wait on trolleys and chairs despite being admitted for hospital care. This represents a 9% increase on last year and a record high.

January was the single worst month last year with 12,201 patients left without a bed, followed by February and March with 10,772, and 10,511 patients respectively.

The worst performing hospitals were Limerick University Hospital which saw 11,437 patients on trolleys or chairs throughout the year; Cork University Hospital with 9,135 patients; and Galway University Hospital with 7,452.

INMO general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said the health service does not have enough beds to support the population.

‘Negative records were set throughout the year, with over 100,000 admitted patients forced to wait on trolleys and chairs, without a proper bed.

‘We know that this dramatically worsens outcomes for our patients,’ she said, ‘The health service does not have enough beds to support our population.’

In December, INMO members voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action, which is expected to involve 24hour work stoppages in hospitals.

The INMO executive is to meet on January 7 and 8 to set the dates for the industrial action.

Responding to the figures, the HSE said progress is being made in A&E departments to bring down the number of people waiting. According to the HSE, as of 2pm yesterday there were 149 patients waiting to be admitted to hospital from an emergency department. It said this was a reduction of 60% on New Year’s Day 2018.