INMO appeal as Mayo hospital facing ongoing overcrowding pressures

Overcrowding pressures at Mayo University Hospital are ongoing today, the fifth consecutive day of problems caused by high attendances and bed shortages.

The issue is a cause of great local concern.

There are currently 22 patients at the facility awaiting beds, six in the emergency department and 16 in wards elsewhere.

Nationally, 576 patients are being treated on a trolley or chair today, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation

A concerned 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.”