Irish nursing group warns public of long delays at emergency departments

An Irish nursing group is advising the public to be aware of long delays at emergency departments across hospitals in Ireland. 

That's according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), who have today (March 21) confirmed 665 admitted patients are waiting for beds this morning. 

Five hundred and thirty five patients are waiting in the emergency department, while 130 are in wards elsewhere in the hospital. 

The group is requesting the HSE to "very clearly advise" the public of the overcrowding and subsequent long delays. 

The top 5 most overcrowded hospitals in Ireland today include University Hospital Limerick (106 patients), Cork University Hospital (63 patients), University Hospital Galway (56 patients), St. Vincent’s University Hospital (43 patients) and St. James’ Hospital (41 patients). 

Seven hospitals nationwide are free from overcrowding today, including Wexford General Hospital, Our Lady's Hospital Navan, Nenagh General, Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, Bantry General, Beaumont Hospital and Connolly Hospital. 

A total of 26 children are waiting for beds today.