Over 10,000 patients were left waiting on trolleys and chairs in hospitals nationwide last month, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has said.

According to its latest Trolley Watch figures, 10,119 patients were admitted to hospital without a bed in April. The worst affected hospitals were University Hospital Limerick (1,596), Cork University Hospital (1,256) and University Hospital Galway (827).

The worst affected hospital in Dublin was St Vincent’s University Hospital (647), while the worst affected children’s hospital was Crumlin Children’s Hospital (139).

Altogether, 292 children were left waiting on trolleys and chairs in the country’s three children’s hospitals at Crumlin, Temple Street and Tallaght.

Last month’s figures represent a 16% increase when compared to April 2022 and a 122% increase when compared to April 2006, when Trolley Watch figures first began.

The impact this overcrowding is having on staff is one of a number of issues due to be discussed at the INMO’s annual delegate conference, which takes place in Kerry from May 3-5.