Worst November on record for overcrowding at Letterkenny University Hospital

Last month was the worst November in the last ten years for overcrowding at Letterkenny University Hospital, according to figures released by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).
The figures show 408 patients waited for beds at the hospital last month, more than twice as many as October. Last month’s total is the worst for November since the INMO started collating their trolley watch figures in 2006, when 308 waited for beds.
So far this year, 1,700 patients have waited for beds at the hospital, less than the 2,708 last year and the 2,696 in 2014.
The figures nationally are the worst on record for a November, up 26 per cent on last year.
There has been a one per cent improvement in the number of admitted patients on trolleys so far this year nationally.
INMO General Secretary Liam Doran said:“These figures are hugely disappointing, if not surprising, and confirm yet again, our health service cannot cope with the demands being placed upon it.
“The figures for November are particularly alarming as we enter the peak winter period with the inevitable increased demand that takes place every year over the next three to four months.”