THERE was an almost two-thirds increase in the number of patients waiting on trolleys in Kerry General Hospital in March compared to the same month in 2014, according to an analysis compiled by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).

There were 126 patients waiting on trolleys in KGH last month, up from the figure of 75 in March 2014.

The monthly comparative analysis of the number of patients on trolleys in the country’s hospitals, compiled by the INMO confirmed that 8,934 people nationally were left on trolleys, following admission, in March this year.

This is an increase of just under 2,000 on March 2014’s figure of 6,493, and its the worst March figures in ten years.

Figures for today show there were 10 patients waiting on trolleys at KGH.

Speaking this morning, INMO General Secretary, Liam Doran said: “This is the 9th month, in a row, when the number of admitted patients left on trolleys, has increased when compared to previous years.  This is confirmation that our health service continues to be too small to adequately, and safely, meet the demands being placed upon it.

It is now imperative that the Minister immediately establishes the monitoring/implementation group to oversee the speedy delivery of all of the changes/initiatives contained in the Emergency Taskforce Report.  Firm and sustained action is now required. The time for talking is over in the interests of patients and the frontline staff trying to care for them,” said Mr Doran.