Overcrowding at St Luke's Hospital in Kilkenny was second-highest on record last year

Overcrowding at St Luke's Hospital in Kilkenny declined in 2018, but remained the second-highest on record, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).

INMO figures published today show 4,052 people on trolleys and wards in total across last year, compared to a figure of 4,505 in 2017. Nonetheless, the figure remains the second-highest since records began, in 2010, when it was 140 people.

In recent times, the beginning of a new year has been accompanied by a spike in the number of patients without a bed. That appears to be borne out today (January 2), with INMO figures showing 26 people on trolleys and wards at the Kilkenny hospital.

Despite the reduction here last year, nationally, 2018 was the worst year on record for hospital overcrowding. Some 108,227 patients went without hospital beds – a record high, according to analysis released today by the INMO.

The INMO blames the crisis on low capacity and understaffing. The organisation has asked the government to work with the INMO to develop real proposals that will resolve the recruitment and retention crisis in nursing. 
 
This has not happened, and 95% of INMO nurses and midwives voted in favour of industrial action. The INMO Executive will meet on January 7 and 8 to set dates for strikes.

“The health service does not have enough beds to support our population," said INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha.

"More beds means more nurses, but the HSE simply can’t hire enough on these wages. It’s beyond time for the government to engage proactively with the INMO to resolve the crisis in Irish nursing and midwifery."