The state of healthcare in Ireland is nothing short of alarming. According to the latest figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation’s (INMO) TrolleyWatch, 122,186 patients, including 2,043 children, were treated on hospital trolleys in 2024. This shocking statistic exposes underlying problems in hospital capacity, staffing levels, and overall healthcare system planning. With overcrowded hospitals becoming the norm, patients’ safety, dignity, and health outcomes are increasingly at risk.
These troubling figures demand a closer look—not only at how this crisis has developed but also at its implications and the avenues for recourse when medical negligence results in harm.
What Does Trolley Care Mean for Patients?
Patients treated on trolleys are often left in hallways or other unsuitable locations without access to proper beds. For many patients, this means a lack of privacy, inadequate monitoring, and prolonged discomfort. For children, the consequences of this overcrowding are especially heartbreaking as it exposes them to environments not conducive to recovery.
The INMO highlights several critical issues linked to trolley care, including:
- Extended Waiting Times: Surveys indicate that 72% of patients on trolleys spend more than six hours waiting for a proper bed. Research confirms that spending prolonged periods on a trolley negatively impacts long-term health outcomes, particularly for older patients.
- Poor Infection Control: Overcrowding increases the risk of infections as trolleys are placed in corridors without proper airflow, windows, or sanitary facilities.
- Lack of Dignity: Patients forced onto trolleys often lose privacy and dignity, compounding their distress during an already vulnerable time.
Overcrowded Hospitals in 2024
The INMO’s TrolleyWatch data highlights the most overcrowded hospitals in 2024. Leading the list is University Hospital Limerick with 23,203 patients on trolleys—a record-breaking number for the facility. Other hospitals experiencing unprecedented overcrowding include:
- Cork University Hospital: 13,162 patients
- University Hospital Galway: 10,983 patients
- Sligo University Hospital: 7,618 patients
- St Vincent’s University Hospital: 6,922 patients
This systemic overcrowding suggests a severe breakdown in Ireland’s hospital infrastructure and resource management.
Impact on Patient Safety and Healthcare Standards
Overcrowded hospitals don’t just mean waiting longer for care—they significantly affect the quality and safety of medical services. For instance:
- Overburdened staff are more likely to make errors.
- Patients with critical conditions risk delayed treatment.
- Limited resources stretch to breaking, with doctors and nurses struggling to monitor all patients effectively.
When this occurs, the line between substandard care and outright medical negligence becomes worryingly thin.
What Is Medical Negligence?
Medical negligence arises when healthcare professionals fail to meet the standard of care expected, resulting in harm to a patient. For some patients treated on trolleys, this harm could include:
- Misdiagnoses due to rushed assessments.
- Improper monitoring leading to deterioration in conditions.
- Increased infections due to unsanitary environments.
If you suspect negligence, seeking advice from an experienced medical negligence solicitor is essential to understanding your rights and options.
Solutions for Ireland’s Trolley Crisis
Though healthcare professionals work tirelessly, this crisis demands long-term systemic changes. INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha has called for urgent action, including:
- Lifting Recruitment Embargos: Increasing healthcare staff to match patient demand.
- Expanding Capacity: Building new hospital beds and facilities to reduce reliance on trolleys.
- Improving Planning: Anticipating seasonal respiratory illnesses and flu surges to avoid repeat overcrowding every winter.
While these steps are critical, they cannot undo the harm already caused to patients who’ve suffered due to these systemic failures.
What Can You Do If You’ve Suffered from Medical Negligence?
If you or a loved one believes that inadequate hospital care caused harm, legal action may provide a path towards justice and compensation. Firms such as HOMS Assist specialise in supporting victims of medical negligence and can guide you through this challenging process.
At HOMS Assist, clients benefit from:
- Expert Legal Guidance: Specialists with over 55 years of experience in Irish medical negligence law.
- Comprehensive Support: Help with everything from gathering medical records to consulting independent experts.
- Empathy and Understanding: A commitment to providing compassionate and professional representation.
Common Types of Medical Negligence Claims
HOMS Assist supports claims across a range of issues, such as:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis leading to worsened outcomes.
- Surgical Errors, including incorrect procedures or poor post-operative care.
- Poor Infection Control, with cases linked to illnesses like MRSA and sepsis.
- Birth Injuries, affecting both mothers and infants.
Understanding whether care fell below reasonable medical standards is crucial. A free consultation with an experienced solicitor can help determine whether you have a valid claim.
Your Rights as a Patient
Under Irish law, you are entitled to:
- Safe and hygienic care with respect for your dignity.
- Transparent communication about your treatment.
- Proper monitoring and timely diagnoses.
When these rights are violated, legal action can enforce accountability and drive change within healthcare systems.
Holding the Healthcare System Accountable
The crisis of overcrowded hospitals in Ireland is not just a healthcare issue; it’s a human rights concern. Patients deserve better—better planning, better care, and above all, dignity during their most vulnerable moments.
If you’ve experienced substandard care or negligence, consider speaking to someone who can help. HOMS Assist provides a confidential space to explore your options and pursue deserved compensation.
Take the First Step
122,186 patients were failed by Ireland’s system in 2024, but their voices can drive the change we need. Contact HOMS Assist today for expert legal guidance, and take the first step towards justice.