Ireland’s Hospital Overcrowding Problem Is Now A ‘Humanitarian Issue’

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has said that the overcrowding problem in Irish hospitals has now become a 'humanitarian issue'.

The INMO's latest figures show that there are 644 people waiting on hospital trolleys and overflow areas in Irish hospitals this afternoon. 

The highest figures come from University College Hospital Galway, where a total of 55 people are waiting for hospital beds, followed by Cork University Hospital with 54 people. 

INMO Trolley/Ward Watch 30/01/18
644 Patients
482 on ED trolleys
162 on wards #trolleywatch https://t.co/NmpGN2LjpA pic.twitter.com/KEOKCig5YY

— Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation (@INMO_IRL) January 30, 2018

The Irish Examiner reported that INMO Deputy General Secretary David Hughes said Ireland's health system has reached crisis point.

"Nurses are at burnout and we really are into the stage now where this is a humanitarian issue."

"Patients are not getting the treatment or proper accommodation in hospitals that they deserve."

He added: "It's just wrong, and something drastic has to be done."

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