UNIVERSITY Hospital Limerick (UHL) had almost double the number of admitted patients on trolleys during October than the next most overcrowded hospital.
There were 2,043 people on trolleys in October in UHL in comparison to Cork University Hospital, which was second most overcrowded with 1,034.
Over 10,538 patients, including 273 children, went without a bed in October according to figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).
INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghda said that “the fact that over 10,000 people went without hospital beds in the month of October is concerning”.
“Again this winter, our members are not assured that their safety and that of their patients is a priority. The HSE and Government must outline what steps are being taken both at national and local level to dramatically reduce the number of patients on trolleys.”
In a statement on the figures, a hospital spokesman said: “We regret the impact on and inconvenience to any admitted patient who has experienced long waits for inpatient beds in University Hospital Limerick (UHL).”
“This is not the standard of care that we wish to provide, and we apologise to all patients, and their loved ones, who have been impacted by long waits.
“As stated in the September 2022 Deloitte report on Patient Flow in UL Hospitals Group, the shortfall in the Mid West of inpatient bed capacity is the main driver of hospital overcrowding, and the problem of overcrowding will continue until there is a substantial increase in bed capacity here. The Deloitte report identified a requirement for 302 additional inpatient beds and 63 day beds in this region by 2036.
“A recent analysis has shown UHL has had 13 per cent more attendances than other Model 4 hospitals (average figures) so far this year. Attendances by patients aged 75 and over are 7 per cent above average for model 4 hospitals. UHL’s inpatient bed capacity is 14 per cent below average for model 4 hospitals.
“We welcome the very visible progress currently being made by contractors on the next phase of bed development at UHL — the 96-bed block adjacent to the Emergency Department. UL Hospitals Group reiterates its gratitude for the support of national HSE and government for this work, for the second 96-bed block that is currently in planning, and for the great strides made during the pandemic in expanding and upgrading the bed and service capacity in UHL and across the Group.
“We continue to follow our escalation framework to reduce pressure on the ED and improve patient flow across our sites.”
