More than 5,000 patients went without hospital beds at Letterkenny University Hospital in 2018, according to a new analysis released today by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.
Last year was the worst on record for overcrowding nationally, with a 9% increase in people waiting on trollies and overflow wards compared to 2017.
5,174 patients were recorded awaiting admission on trolleys and in overflow wards at LUH in 2018. Overcrowding levels at the hospital were up 5% compared to 2017 (4,889), and more than double the levels experienced in 2016 (2,047).
The INMO is blaming the crisis on low capacity and understaffing. The organisation has asked the government to work with the INMO to develop proposals that will resolve the recruitment and retention crisis in nursing.
INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said resolutions must be sought for 2019:
“Despite the government spin, 2018 was the worst year on record for overcrowding. Negative records were set throughout the year, with over 100,000 admitted patients forced to wait on trolleys and chairs, without a proper bed. We know that this dramatically worsens outcomes for our patients.
“The health service does not have enough beds to support our population. 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.
“Patients should be focused on recovering, but instead have to worry about waiting times, understaffing and a lack of beds. 2019 must see real changes in policy and funding to resolve this once and for all.”
The INMO Executive will meet on the 7th and 8th of January to set dates for strikes.
