When you enter a hospital, you expect prompt access to a bed in a safe, private, and well-equipped environment. Unfortunately, for hundreds of thousands of patients every year in Ireland and the UK, this isn’t the reality. Instead, they’re treated in “temporary escalation spaces” like hospital corridors, trolleys, or makeshift areas that lack the necessary resources for proper medical care.
Recent data from Ireland paints a stark picture of this crisis, with more than 122,000 patients treated on trolleys in 2024 alone, including over 2,000 children. Meanwhile, a survey by the Royal College of Nursing in the UK reveals that over 90% of respondents believe patient safety is being compromised in these unfit spaces.
But what does this crisis mean for patients? More importantly, how do such issues in overcrowded hospitals affect your care, dignity, and safety?
Overcrowding in Hospitals: A Growing Crisis
Hospital overcrowding is not a new problem, but its scale today is overwhelming. The shortage of hospital beds, healthcare staff, and resources has led to a reliance on temporary escalation spaces such as trolleys and corridors. These spaces are far from ideal for patient care—there’s little privacy, inadequate infection control, and limited access to proper monitoring.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) figures highlight the worst-affected Irish hospitals in 2024:
- University Hospital Limerick treated an alarming 23,203 patients on trolleys.
- Cork University Hospital saw 13,162 patients on trolleys.
- University Hospital Galway accommodated 10,983 patients in unsuitable locations like hallways.
What this means for patients:
- Prolonged waits for a hospital bed affect treatment outcomes, particularly for elderly and vulnerable patients.
- Patients are often left exposed in public spaces, compromising dignity and comfort.
- Overcrowding increases the likelihood of medical errors, delays in treatment, and the spread of hospital-acquired infections.
The Dangers of Temporary Escalation Spaces
Temporary escalation spaces may be intended as short-term solutions, but their effects on patient health can be long-lasting.
1. Delayed Treatment and Care
Patients on trolleys often face unacceptably long waits to receive treatment. For instance, more than 72% of patients on trolleys spend over six hours waiting for a proper bed. Studies indicate that older patients who spend extended periods in such conditions are at a greater risk of long-term health complications.
2. Greater Risk of Infection
Crowded corridors and improvised treatment spaces create fertile ground for hospital-acquired infections. Without appropriate sanitary measures or ventilation, infections such as sepsis and MRSA can spread easily, putting all patients at risk.
3. Compromised Dignity and Privacy
Being treated in public spaces strips patients of their dignity during what is often a vulnerable and distressing time. Children, especially, are exposed to environments that are not conducive to recovery.
4. Burnout Among Healthcare Workers
Overburdened healthcare workers dealing with excessive patient numbers are more likely to make mistakes due to fatigue or oversight, which increases the risk of medical errors.
How Does This Compare to the UK?
The situation in Ireland isn’t isolated. UK hospitals are also grappling with overcrowding. A UK survey showed 94% of staff believe patient safety is at risk due to “temporary escalation spaces.” Such spaces are being used extensively in NHS hospitals, with reports of patients receiving treatment in chairs or storage areas.
The similarities between the healthcare crises in both countries highlight systemic issues rooted in underfunding, understaffing, and insufficient hospital infrastructure.
When Does Substandard Care Become Medical Negligence?
Most healthcare workers are dedicated professionals doing their best in impossible conditions. However, when overcrowding or inadequate care leads to harm, medical negligence may be at play. You may have experienced negligence if healthcare providers failed to meet expected standards, leading to injury or worsening your condition.
Examples of medical negligence in these scenarios include:
- Delayed diagnosis because of rushed or improper assessments.
- Missed medical conditions due to a lack of proper facilities or time to monitor patients.
- Errors in treatment caused by burnout or mismanaged workloads.
- Greater vulnerability to infections linked to unsanitary conditions.
If you suspect you’ve been affected by medical negligence, you have the right to take legal action and seek compensation. Understanding this process is critical for holding healthcare systems accountable.
Looking Ahead – Solutions to the Crisis
While the current crisis is daunting, solutions exist to address these issues. Long-term and systemic changes across the healthcare sector are essential to prevent and minimise reliance on temporary escalation spaces.
Proposed Reforms in Ireland’s Healthcare System
The INMO and other healthcare experts have called for measures such as:
- Lifting recruitment embargoes to address chronic staff shortages.
- Expanding hospital capacity by increasing the number of acute care beds in Ireland.
- Better crisis planning to minimise overcrowding during high-pressure periods, such as winter flu seasons.
Some of these reforms are already in motion, but lasting change takes time. Accountability for past failings remains just as crucial for driving immediate improvements.
What Can You Do as a Patient?
If you’ve suffered due to overcrowding or substandard care, acting on your experience can help secure justice for you and advocate for better care for others.
Steps to Take
- Document Your Experience
Keep detailed records of the care you received, including dates, locations, and any adverse effects or delayed treatments you experienced.
- Seek Medical Advice
Consult another medical professional to assess whether your health or recovery was impacted by the care provided.
- Contact a Medical Negligence Solicitor
Specialist legal teams, like HOMS Assist, can help you evaluate whether you have grounds for a claim, offering expert advice throughout the process.
With more than 55 years of legal expertise, HOMS Assist provides compassionate and professional support to patients affected by medical negligence. Their experienced solicitors can help you pursue the compensation you deserve while advocating for meaningful reform.
Advocacy for Better Care
The ongoing challenges in hospital overcrowding highlight a pressing need for action. As patients, you deserve safe environments, timely treatments, and above all, respect for your dignity and well-being.
If you, or someone you love, have been directly impacted by unsafe hospital conditions, consider reaching out to HOMS Assist for guidance. Every story shared not only helps individuals seek justice but also contributes to raising awareness and driving essential changes in healthcare systems.
