A ‘dangerous’ level of overcrowding has been confirmed across Irish hospitals this week following on from the October bank holiday.

The INMO (Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation) confirmed 777 patients were without beds in Irish hospitals as of Tuesday, October 27.

The organisation confirmed that 108 patients were without beds at the University Hospital Limerick, while 62 were waiting at Letterkenny.

Of the 777, 499 patients are awaiting beds in emergency departments while 278 are waiting in wards.

INMO general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said the level of overcrowding was ‘dangerous.’

Ms Ní Sheadghdha commented: ‘It is not acceptable that something as ordinary as a bank holiday weekend can result in this level of risk for patients and staff. It demonstrates a total failure in planning and a total disregard for safety.’

The general secretary noted that the organisation’s members are ‘stretched to the limit’ daily and ‘caring for too many patients in understaffed wards.’

She called on management to ensure staff and patient safety is not compromised due to a surge of numbers.

‘This dangerous situation is happening in the context of cessation of recruitment and nurse managers being prevented from filling vacant posts,’ she continued.

‘It is absolutely vital, coming into the busiest time of year, that all vacant posts are filled as a matter of urgency and that recruitment and staff planning move to the top of the HSE’s agenda.’

RTÉ report that it is the second highest daily figure of the year — the highest number came on January 13 when 803 admitted patients waited for beds.

The post-October bank holiday figure is a huge jump from the same time last year. Following the October bank holiday in 2025, a total of 417 patients waited for a hospital bed.