Over the past decade, Ireland’s healthcare system has faced persistent challenges. However, one crisis has stood out starkly in recent years: overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick (UHL). With 86 patients on trolleys in a single day this past June and years of reported issues, the situation is evoking strong concerns both locally and nationally. And it’s not just about numbers; it’s about lives affected, diminished dignity, and compromised care.
This blog takes an in-depth look at the issues plaguing UHL, addressing the ripple effects, and exploring actionable solutions.
Understanding the Scale of the Crisis at UHL
Overcrowding Statistics That Paint a Grim Picture
University Hospital Limerick is now synonymous with overcrowding. According to recent reports:
- 86 patients were waiting on trolleys in just one day in June 2025.
- UHL recorded 23,203 patients on trolleys in 2024 alone, making it the most overcrowded hospital in Ireland.
These figures aren’t just numbers; they represent individuals waiting long hours without adequate facilities, individuals often in pain or distress.
“It Just Sounds Like it’s Out of Control”
Patients and their families have been vocal about their discontent. Campaign groups, such as the Midwest Hospital Campaign, describe the ongoing ordeal of patients waiting for emergency care, often moved between multiple facilities before receiving basic assistance. A shocking example was a patient who spent two days on a trolley at UHL, only to be moved to a private nursing home, and later ended up back at another hospital on a trolley.
The lack of clarity and urgency displayed by health authorities has left patients and their advocates feeling isolated and ignored. This sentiment was echoed powerfully by Marie McMahon, a campaign member from Ennistymon, who said,
“You feel isolated… who is advocating for us?”
Why Overcrowding at UHL is More Than an Operational Issue
Dangers of Trolley Care
Patients waiting on trolleys are often left in busy corridors without necessary monitoring, privacy, or adequate infection control. Research has directly linked these conditions to worsened long-term health outcomes, particularly for elderly individuals.
For example:
- 72% of patients waiting on trolleys endure delays exceeding six hours for proper care.
- Overcrowded spaces make hygiene and infection control nearly impossible, raising risks for conditions such as sepsis and MRSA.
Real Lives, Lost Lives
Perhaps the most alarming revelation comes from the tragic figures uncovering avoidable deaths. Over a five-year period (2019–2023), 239 patients died on trolleys at UHL alone, the highest figure among Irish hospitals.
These aren’t just statistics; they’re human lives and stories snuffed out due to a failure in addressing systematic shortcomings. For families, the trauma of losing a loved one in such circumstances is compounded by the indignity of trolley care.
The Root Causes of the Crisis
Understaffing and Poor Rostering
A major contributing factor is insufficient staffing at critical times. UHL, in particular, has been called out for inadequate consultant rosters during weekends. Secretary General Robert Watt’s report highlights how some emergency department (ED) consultants are left to manage two full shifts without adequate support. Such rotas not only strain healthcare providers but also lead to delayed and compromised care for patients.
The Wider Problem of Hospital Infrastructure
Hospitals across Ireland, including UHL, lack the infrastructure to support growing patient numbers. Outdated facilities leave staff with limited resources, forcing reliance on temporary escalation spaces like trolleys.
The lack of beds also contributes heavily to the overcrowding crisis. While construction projects are underway to expand UHL, measures are failing to meet the immediate demands.
What Needs to Change?
The issues at UHL reflect deeper, systemic problems within Ireland’s healthcare system. To tackle the crisis, both immediate actions and long-term reforms are essential.
Immediate Actions
- Increase Emergency Staffing Levels:
Lift recruitment embargoes to bring more consultants and frontline staff to UHL and other major hospitals.
- Expand Capacity at Regional Facilities:
Upgrading hospitals, such as Ennis to a model-3 hospital, would divert some of the pressure off UHL.
- Effective Crisis Management:
Implement clearer triage protocols and allocate sufficient resources to deal with recurring seasonal surges, such as winter illnesses.
Long-term Solutions
- Robust Infrastructure Investment:
Expand not only emergency departments but also inpatient facilities nationwide.
- Recruitment Incentives:
Offer better contracts, competitive pay, and postgraduate training opportunities to attract and retain healthcare talent.
- Data-Driven Decision Making:
Develop systems to track patient flow and outcomes to address bottlenecks dynamically.
Advocacy and Legal Support for Patients
Holding the System Accountable
The crisis at UHL doesn’t just raise operational concerns; it also brings up pressing legal and ethical questions around patient safety. When systemic failures lead to harm or loss, patients may be entitled to pursue legal action for medical negligence.
Examples of medical negligence linked to overcrowding include:
- Delayed treatment resulting in worsened health outcomes.
- Improper diagnoses due to rushed assessments.
- Emotional distress caused by undignified care.
If you or someone you know has suffered due to inadequate care, it’s important to understand both your rights and options. Legal firms like HOMS Assist specialise in guiding patients through this complex process, helping them find accountability and closure.
Your Right to Dignity
Every patient deserves safe, timely, and respectful care. When these standards are not met, raising a voice can help prevent others from suffering the same fate.
A Call for Change
The persistent issues at University Hospital Limerick should not and cannot be the norm. The loss of dignity, the emotional distress, and the sheer number of lives affected demand immediate action. Healthcare is not just about treating illnesses; it’s about the humanity and dignity every patient deserves during their most vulnerable moments.
To drive meaningful change, systemic reform must replace inadequate stop-gap measures. For those affected, justice offers not only relief but also a path to greater awareness and accountability in the healthcare system.
If you, or someone you love, has experienced substandard care or medical negligence at UHL or elsewhere, professional legal help can guide you forward. Contact HOMS Assist today to explore your options.
