Number of patients on trolleys rising rapidly

576 patients are being treated on a trolley or chair today according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (attached).

Commenting on the trolley figures, INMO deputy general secretary Dr Edward Mathews said:

We are beginning to see the number of patients being treated on a trolley, in a chair or in another inappropriate bed space rise rapidly. Our members are very concerned about their ability to provide safe care when they have to contend with rising numbers of admissions coupled with unsafe staffing levels. 

Increasing capacity in both acute and community settings and ensuring an adequate number of nursing and midwifery staff must be a budget priority for the Minister for Health.

With an ageing population and record attendances at emergency hospitals, the need for a thriving nursing and midwifery workforce in both acute hospital and community settings has never been greater.

 

Ends

Share this page