Over 500 patients treated on trolleys at Letterkenny University Hospital in July

More than 500 patients were treated on trolleys at Letterkenny University Hospital during the month of July.

New figures published by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) show a concerning trend heading into the autumn, the organisation says.

The data confirms that 505 patients received care without access to a proper hospital bed in Letterkenny last month - the fifth highest figure recorded across Irish hospitals. 

The latest figures come as hospitals prepare for increased demand over the coming months, with frontline staff already reporting growing stress levels amid the continuing crisis.

Sligo University Hospital, which serves much of south Donegal, also featured among the worst-affected facilities, with 706 patients treated on trolleys in July.

Nationwide, a total of 9,271 patients were treated on a trolley, chair or in another inappropriate setting throughout the month.

The worst-hit hospitals in July were: University Hospital Limerick - 2,257 patients; University Hospital Galway - 1,146 patients; Cork University Hospital - 889 patients; Sligo University Hospital - 706 patients; and Letterkenny University Hospital - 505 patients.

INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said the persistently high trolley numbers during summer months painted a bleak picture for both healthcare workers and patients ahead of the winter season.

“The figures speak for themselves, and high trolley numbers in summer only send a negative message to our healthcare workers and the people of this country,” she said.

“Nurses and midwives are disheartened heading into the autumn winter period, and they already know they will have to endure the added pressure of flu and other viral infections including Covid.”

Ní Sheaghdha warned that overcrowding is no longer confined to emergency departments, but has now spread across medical and surgical wards, with a 30% increase in patients being treated on trolleys outside of emergency settings in the past decade.

She reiterated the INMO’s call for the Government to urgently expand bed capacity and invest in community and primary care services to help relieve pressure on hospitals.

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Ní Sheaghdha said: “All signs are pointing towards an extremely busy winter period. Over 68,000 patients have been admitted to an inappropriate care space in our hospitals so far this year.

“Unless urgent measures are taken, we are on track for another record-breaking year for hospital overcrowding.”

In its pre-Budget submission, the union is calling for greater investment in workforce development, community healthcare, nurse and midwife-led services, and increased public bed capacity.

Ní Sheaghdha added: “There is a remedy for perpetual trolley crises if the Government wishes to invest properly in the health service.”