439 Patients on Trolleys Across Irish Hospitals as Overcrowding Crisis Continues

Hospital overcrowding remains a critical issue across Ireland today, with 439 patients waiting on trolleys for beds, according to the latest figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO). The majority, 267 patients, are waiting in emergency departments, whilst 172 are accommodated on trolleys in wards elsewhere.

The INMO Trolley Watch data for 23 July 2025 reveals significant pressure on the healthcare system, with Cork's main hospitals experiencing varying levels of overcrowding.

Cork University Hospital recorded 61 patients on trolleys this morning, with 52 waiting in the emergency department and nine in other wards. This places CUH amongst the most affected hospitals nationally.

The Mercy University Hospital in Cork reported five patients on trolleys: two in the emergency department and three elsewhere in the facility. Meanwhile, Bantry General Hospital recorded no patients waiting on trolleys.

University Hospital Limerick topped the national figures with 104 patients waiting for beds, comprising 32 in the emergency department and 72 in wards. Other severely affected hospitals include University Hospital Galway with 74 patients and Cork University Hospital's 61.

The Eastern region hospitals recorded 63 patients on trolleys in total, whilst country hospitals accounted for 376 patients. Notably, no children under 16 were recorded waiting on trolleys across the system today.

The INMO continues to monitor the situation daily through its Trolley Watch system, which tracks the number of patients waiting for admission to hospital beds. These figures highlight the ongoing capacity challenges facing the Irish healthcare system.

Healthcare professionals and patient advocacy groups have repeatedly called for increased bed capacity and staffing levels to address the persistent overcrowding crisis affecting hospitals nationwide.