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THERE were 233 patients waiting on trolleys in University Hospital Kerry in June according to a new monthly analysis by the INMO.
This is the highest number ever recorded in June since they began compiling the figures in 2006. The previous highest number for the month was 213 last year.
Nationally, 7,392 admitted patients were forced to wait without hospital beds in June 2019.
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This is a 7% increase compared to last year. The 25th of June saw 482 patients on trolleys, the highest total for any day in June since records began, and 49% higher than the same day in 2018. Among the 7,392 patients waiting for beds were 55 children.
INMO general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said: “Our members tell us that there’s no longer a summer respite when it comes to overcrowding. Summer 2019 is as bad as winter was five years ago. Understaffing is driving year-round unsafe conditions.
“The government and HSE need to get a handle on this problem. That means implementing the Safe Staffing Framework and making real progress on Sláintecare. Without serious investment and reform, this problem will continue to spiral, with patients and frontline staff paying the price.”
