Rise in numbers on trolleys in ballinasloe

Despite a fall nationwide today, the number of people on trolleys in Ballinasloe has risen as the overcrowding crisis in the nation's hospitals has deepened. 15 people are awaiting a bed in Portiuncula Hospital, according to the latest INMO figures, up from 12 yesterday.

Over in Mullingar, the number of people on trolleys has dropped dramatically. It has gone from 30 yesterday (Tuesday) to 18 today, Wednesday January 7.

On Tuesday the numbers on trolleys in the country's hospitals hit a record high of 601, today that figure has fallen to 584.

Since Saturday the HSE had been warning people to stay away from the Emergency Department (ED) in Mullingar unless absolutely necessary.

On Monday, Derek Reilly of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) said it was the worst Christmas Mullingar Hospital had due to chronic understaffing.

“The nurses and midwives simply can’t cope. The entire hospital is overcrowded and chronically understaffed.”

A lunchtime protest is planned by nurses for Tuesday January 27.