Overcrowding in Irish hospitals making it difficult to treat children

"No way to safely treat sick children"

Overcrowding in Ireland's children's hospitals is making it difficult to treat patients. The INMO said the concerning numbers are causing a great deal of stress for both parents and staff. Speaking about the healthcare crisis, INMO general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha stated; "Today we are seeing an unprecedented number of children on hospital trolleys. The level we are seeing in our pediatric hospitals is very worrying." "This is not only dangerous for staff and for patients, but it is also simply no way to safely treat sick children who are admitted to hospital." Ní Sheaghdha told The Irish Examiner, "Staffing in our children's hospitals must be a focus for the HSE and Department of Health in the short and long term." Last Tuesday, 46 children were waiting on trolleys in hospitals across Ireland. This is the highest ever number on record. Hospitals have been affected by a stark increase in flu, Covid, and RSV cases. Strep A cases have also risen since last December. Earlier this month, health officials expressed major concerns about the spike due to the ongoing crisis in Ireland's healthcare system. Hospitals are already suffering from overcrowding after major flu and Covid outbreaks. Not only are Covid and flu cases rising, but more and more children are suffering from respiratory illnesses, including RSV. Ireland's most overcrowded hospital, University Hospital Limerick, is already buckling under immense pressure. An outbreak like this will only make things even more challenging, says Dr. Marie Casey.

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