Cork University Hospital Third Most Overcrowded in the Country In June, INMO Figures Show

Cork University Hospital was the third most overcrowded hospital in the country last month, with 708 admitted patients on trolleys while waiting for a bed, according to the latest Trolley Watch figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).

Across the country, 9,612 admitted patients spent time on trolleys waiting for a bed in June, according to the INMO's Trolley Watch count.

The most overcrowded hospital in June was University Hospital Limerick, with 1,799 patients on trolleys. It was followed by Sligo University Hospital (885), Cork University Hospital (708), St Vincent's University Hospital (662) and University Hospital Galway (617).

The figure of 708 at Cork University Hospital was up from 405 recorded in the same month last year. Mercy University Hospital, Cork recorded 177 patients on trolleys in June, compared with 183 in June 2025.

The INMO said 66,400 patients have now been recorded on trolleys in the first half of 2026. The organisation said this could indicate a record-breaking year for trolley admissions unless urgent measures are taken.

Phil Ní Sheaghdha, INMO General Secretary:

"There was a time when we could expect a significant reduction in trolleys numbers during the milder summer months, but this has not been the case in recent years. Our members have had little reprieve from the daily levels of overcrowding they are working in.

In June nurses and midwives had to deal with the additional pressures associated with caring for patients in high temperature weather conditions. These circumstances not only increase stress and exhaustion in nurses and midwives working in buildings not equipped to cope with higher temperatures but can also greatly impact patient safety as well.

It is clear that given the current trajectory of year-on-year temperature increases, summer may become a period that will require significant planning to ensure the safety of everyone who attends and works within our healthcare system.

The first half of 2026 has been extremely concerning, with a 10% increase in the number of patients on trolleys compared to 2025. Nurses and midwives will not continue to work in these environments. If the HSE is serious about retention, predictable surges of healthcare needs must have a planned approach to deal with them so our members know they can care for their patients in a safe environment. The continued use of so-called surge capacity is particularly concerning."

On 1 July, the INMO's daily count recorded 496 patients on trolleys in hospitals nationally, including 44 at Cork University Hospital and 16 at Mercy University Hospital, Cork.