Overcrowding continues to rise at Mayo University Hospital 

The number of people without a bed at Mayo University Hospital (MUH) continues to rise as the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) voice their concern.

On Wednesday morning, 41 people were without a bed at MUH. 23 people were in the emergency department, with 18 elsewhere in the hospital.

Overcrowding in an issue across the west of Ireland, with 51 people at Sligo University Hospital without a bed, and 54 on trolleys at Galway University Hospital.

In total, there was 824 people on trolleys across the country.

The INMO said the current situation requires an immediate and decisive response from the HSE, including the cessation of all elective activity in acute hospitals, with private hospital capacity purchased to accommodate this work.

The INMO said the HSE cannot continue to operate on a ‘keep calm and carry on’ basis while patients and staff are exposed to unacceptable risks.

INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said:“Given the level of overcrowding we have seen in our emergency departments throughout this year, the HSE must have a plan to ease the pressure across the acute hospital system. The current situation is dangerous and requires immediate action.

“The HSE and Department of Health must be honest with the public about the dire situation facing the majority of our emergency departments. Patient safety must come first, and that means taking decisive action now to address overcrowding.

“This situation is being compounded by recruitment restrictions, with at least four HSE regions now unable to recruit without sign-off from the Department of Health. This is an extremely delayed process that creates significant risks for frontline patient care and staff safety.

“The INMO has written to the HSE seeking immediate engagement on the significant curtailment of services required to align hospital activity with the nurses and midwives available on each roster to deliver safe care.

“The HSE cannot restrict recruitment while simultaneously expecting existing services and capacity to continue regardless of the staffing available. Hospital activity must be aligned with the workforce available to deliver safe patient care.”