The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) is once again calling for a long-term plan to tackle hospital overcrowding. 

According to INMO, 301 were waiting for beds in hospitals nationwide yesterday morning. Some 198 patients were waiting in the emergency departments, while 103 were in other wards across the hospitals. 

University Hospital Limerick reported the highest levels of overcrowding, with 80 people waiting for beds yesterday morning. 

INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghda said once-off emergency measures are not enough to deal with overcrowding. 

“We have band-aid measures being put in place every now and again when they go out of control,” she said. 

“What we really need is a full root-and-branch review of how care is delivered." 

Ms Ní Sheaghda also called for a review of acute hospitals in Ireland.  

“There isn't enough emphasis on care being delivered in the community outside of the acute hospital,” she said.  

“We still have people who are waiting for 14 and 15 hours just to be seen in an acute hospital.” 

The Government previously reported waiting lists for scheduled care in acute hospitals increased by 60% between 2015 and 2022. 

The highest level of overcrowding in hospitals recently was July 11th, with 422 people waiting for beds in emergency and general wards across Ireland.