26% more people on trolleys last month than in April 2014, say nurses
The number of patients on trolleys in Irish hospitals is still increasing, according to figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).
The INMO figures for last month are up 26% on last year and 73% since April 2006.
Some 35,000 patients were attended to on trolleys from January to April of this year, the highest number recorded for the four-month period since records began.
The INMO carried out the analyses ahead of their three-day Annual Delegate Conference which commences today in Trim.
General Secretary Liam Doran said the numbers demonstrated the extent of the crisis in hospitals.
"The April 2015 comparison with April last year show an increase in overcrowding of 26% with 7,860 people admitted to hospital and finding themselves of trolleys," he said.
"It's the 10th month in a row when there's been an increase year on year. It demonstrates the extent of the crisis facing the health service."
