A concerning new survey by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has revealed that 84% of nurses have been forced to treat patients in inappropriate settings such as hospital corridors and waiting rooms over the past year.
The ‘Behind the Trolley Numbers’ survey, conducted in January and completed by 1,587 healthcare workers, paints a troubling picture of Ireland’s hospital system:
- 85% of respondents said patient care and safety were compromised in these settings
- 64% reported treating patients in inappropriate settings daily
- 22% said it occurred weekly
- 71% indicated patients remain in these areas for more than 12 hours
- 72% witnessed patient safety incidents directly related to inappropriate care settings
The findings come after January saw a record 13,972 patients treated without hospital beds, the highest number since the INMO began tracking trolley figures.
INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha highlighted that many nurses fear reporting unsafe conditions to management, creating a “culture of silence.” She noted particular concerns about placing patients with infectious diseases, dementia, or mental health conditions in inappropriate settings.
According to The Journal, the survey respondents emphasized that increasing bed capacity and recruiting more nursing staff are essential steps to address hospital overcrowding. The INMO is calling on the new government to implement a “radical plan” to staff hospitals, retain existing personnel, and increase capacity across acute and community services.
Ní Sheaghdha warned that without swift action to address these issues, including fast-tracking elective-only hospitals, lives will continue to be put at risk.