Concerns over patients in 'inappropriate spaces' raised by the INMO - Kilkenny Live

According to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation's Trolley Watch figures, 10,991 patients were waiting for a hospital bed on trolleys in February.

University Hospital Limerick recorded the highest figure with 2247 patients, followed by Cork University Hospital (1070 patients), University Hospital Galway (987 patients), St Vincent’s University Hospital (651 patients) and Sligo University Hospital (649 patients).

Locally, 316 patients were waiting for a bed on trolleys at St Luke's General Hospital last month, a decrease of three people compared to February last year.

Meanwhile, today (February 29) saw St Luke's Hospital record a relatively positive end to the month with two patients waiting for a bed in the local hospital. 

INMO General Secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha commented: "The levels of overcrowding this month have not diminished since the St Brigid's Day Bank Holiday. With two bank holidays happening in quick succession in March, the HSE must outline what steps they are taking in the run up to St. Patrick's Day to ensure we don't have a repeat of February overcrowding."

"Since the end of January, I have been in the majority of hospitals that the INMO counts trolleys in and have witnessed dangerous scenes in many hospitals with patients being treated in completely inappropriate spaces. It is clear that most hospitals are operating at over one hundred per cent occupancy meaning that patients are being cared for in all available spaces which is unsafe," he said.

"Nurses and midwives are highly trained professionals who have a deep appreciation for the provision of safe care for their patients. It is impossible for them to provide care in a safe manner in the current conditions in our public health system. Many are reporting that the intention to leave, whether to retire early, move abroad or move to another position in the community or private sector, is worryingly high," Mr Ni Sheaghdha added.