Number of patients left without beds at Mayo hospital during May revealed

Over 9,811 patients were treated on trolleys, chairs, or in other inappropriate bed spaces in May, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.

The statistic included 396 in respect of Mayo University Hospital, down from 418 during the same period last year,

The most overcrowded hospitals in May 2026 include:

1. University Hospital Limerick -2018 patients

2. Cork University Hospital - 806 patients

3. St. Vincent's University Hospital - 783 patients

4. Sligo University Hospital - 782 patients

5. University Hospital Galway -769 patients

INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said: “The number of people on trolleys in May has been far too high. We are seeing regular occurrences of daily trolley counts of over 500 people being treated on trolleys, chairs, or other inappropriate bed spaces.

"It is clear that the political system needs to act and introduce vital legislation to underpin safe nurse and midwife staffing with legislation.

"Nurses and midwives have made it clear that staffing deficits are impacting their ability to provide safe and timely care.

"Underpinning safe staffing levels with legislation is the only way to make sure hospitals comply with HIQA recommendations on inadequate staffing.

“If we are seeing these levels of overcrowding now, then serious consideration needs to be given to how the HSE is going to make the acute hospital system safer over the winter months. It is clear that in the majority of sites current systems that are in place are not working.

“Persistent overcrowding carries consequences that extend beyond patient outcomes, it directly threatens the safety and wellbeing of nurses and midwives.

"Overcrowded hospitals see higher rates of assault against staff, increased burnout, and greater intention to leave the profession.”