INMO seeks measures from HSE to avoid Easter hospital overcrowding and trolley surge

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has outlined what they described as 'necessary immediate steps' to avoid overcrowding and a trolley surge in hospitals over the long Easter weekend. 

The INMO has called on the HSE to take specific steps ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend to avoid hospital overcrowding. 

This comes as 582 patients have been admitted to hospital without a bed today (Wednesday). 

In a meeting with senior HSE management late last week, the INMO set out a number of actions that can be taken this weekend to alleviate pressure next week. They say a response of the HSE is now awaited.

INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said: “Our members are concerned at the very high levels of overcrowding leading into the Easter period and we have set out the necessary immediate steps that must be taken to alleviate pressure across hospital sites.

“We know that after every bank holiday there is a predictable surge in the number of people on trolleys. Therefore, all efforts to increase discharges, including over the long weekend period must be undertaken. Where it is available additional capacity must be obtained from the private sector and alternative care pathways in the community must be utilised.”