Cork University Hospital Records Second Highest Trolley Count in the Country for May

Cork University Hospital recorded the second highest number of patients treated on trolleys, chairs or other inappropriate bed spaces in the country during May, according to figures released by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.

A total of 9,811 patients were treated in such conditions nationally in May, the INMO said.

University Hospital Limerick recorded the highest figure at 2,018 patients, followed by Cork University Hospital with 806. St Vincent's University Hospital (783), Sligo University Hospital (782) and University Hospital Galway (769) made up the five most overcrowded hospitals.

Among other Munster hospitals, University Hospital Kerry recorded 251 patients, the Mercy University Hospital in Cork 196, and Bantry General Hospital 83.

The INMO's figures also show that 141 of those treated in these conditions during May were children under the age of 16.

The May total is up from 8,199 recorded in the same month last year, while the figure for Cork University Hospital has risen from 673 in May 2025.

Phil Ní Sheaghdha, INMO General Secretary:

"The number of people on trolleys in May has been far too high. We are seeing regular occurrences of daily trolley counts of over 500 people being treated on trolleys, chairs, or other inappropriate bed spaces. It is clear that the political system needs to act and introduce vital legislation to underpin safe nurse and midwife staffing with legislation. Nurses and midwives have made it clear that staffing deficits are impacting their ability to provide safe and timely care. Underpinning safe staffing levels with legislation is the only way to make sure hospitals comply with HIQA recommendations on inadequate staffing.

If we are seeing these levels of overcrowding now, then serious consideration needs to be given to how the HSE is going to make the acute hospital system safer over the winter months. It is clear that in the majority of sites current systems that are in place are not working.

Persistent overcrowding carries consequences that extend beyond patient outcomes, it directly threatens the safety and wellbeing of nurses and midwives. Overcrowded hospitals see higher rates of assault against staff, increased burnout, and greater intention to leave the profession."