Nurses Forced to Care for Patients in Inadequate Conditions, INMO Survey Reveals
Dublin: The longstanding issue of overcrowded hospitals in Ireland has once again come to the forefront, with a new survey by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) revealing alarming conditions for both patients and healthcare workers. Nurses report not only caring for patients in hospital corridors but, in some cases, even in bathrooms, due to severe bed shortages and overcrowding.
Disturbing Findings from INMO’s “Behind the Trolley Numbers” Survey
The survey, conducted between January 19 and 31, gathered responses from 1,587 nurses, with 87% working in acute adult healthcare settings. The findings highlight the daily struggles faced by nurses:
- 64% said they care for patients in inappropriate areas every day, while 22% reported it happening at least weekly.
- 84% admitted to treating patients in emergency department hallways and waiting rooms.
- 72% witnessed patients falling or experiencing delays in medication and treatment due to overcrowding.
- 7 out of 10 nurses said patients remained in unsuitable areas for over 12 hours.
Mental and Emotional Toll on Nurses
The survey also revealed that many nurses are suffering in silence, overwhelmed by mental distress and stress. INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha noted that nurses often refrain from reporting unsafe conditions to hospital management, fearing it will lead to no action.
“Nurses are enduring extreme stress and unbearable workloads. The lack of intervention from hospital management and the government is leading to substandard patient care,” she stated.
Overcrowding at Record Highs
The survey follows record-breaking hospital overcrowding statistics, with 13,972 patients waiting on trolleys in January alone—the worst month recorded since the INMO began tracking figures.
Patients requiring urgent medical attention are frequently left on trolleys in window bays, waiting rooms, and other unsuitable areas, often compromising their privacy, dignity, and safety. Patients with infectious diseases, dementia, and mental health conditions are particularly vulnerable in these settings.
Government and HSE Accused of Inaction
Ní Sheaghdha criticised the HSE and the government for failing to address the crisis, stating that hospital overcrowding is avoidable if appropriate measures are taken.
“The government and HSE are putting both patients and staff at risk by ignoring the warnings year after year. Instead of standing idly by, they must act now—increase bed capacity and hire more nursing staff to alleviate the crisis,” she urged.
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