CUH 2nd worst for overcrowding in 2023

Michael Olney

2023 has been the worst year on record for hospital overcrowding in Ireland with CUH sitting unchallenged in 2nd place.

CUH saw 12,487 patients go without a bed this year according to new figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).

Behind CUH in third worst position is University Hospital Galway with 8,914 patients. University Hospital Limerick was the highest with 21,141 patients left on trollies in 2023.

On Tuesday, the day these figures were published, 517 patients were on trolleys in Irish hospitals.

Commenting on the record figures, INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said there has been no let-up in pressure for nurses and midwives who are working in overcrowded and understaffed hospitals.

“For the second year in a row we have broken overcrowding records,” said Ms Ní Sheaghdha. “The year is not even over and 121,526 patients have been admitted to hospital without a bed.

“Over 3,450 children have been on trolleys so far this year, an increase of 24% on the previous year.

This is not something to celebrate and was entirely predictable,” she added.

Addressing the HSE, Ms Ní Sheaghdha said the HSE’s recruitment freeze is at odds with the need to improve conditions for both staff and patients who find themselves in emergency departments.

Ms Ní Sheaghdha continued: “We know from past experience that it can take a long time to reverse the impact of any recruitment freeze.

“What will it take for the HSE and Government to act?

The independent agency HIQA last week stated that in over 80% of the hospitals they have inspected, patient dignity was compromised and that workforce planning must be prioritised,” she concluded.