Almost 8,000 patients were left waiting on trolleys in Irish hospitals last month, a jump of 26% when compared to the same period last year, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has said.

According to its latest ‘Trolley and Ward Watch' figures, 7,860 patients were on trolleys in April of this year, compared to 6,261 in April of last year. Some of the worst affected hospitals were Beaumont Hospital in Dublin (646 on trolleys), Our Lady Of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda (602), University Hospital Limerick (544) and Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown (517).

The INMO also carried out an analysis of figures covering each April since 2006, which revealed that 73% more people were on trolleys last month compared to April 2006. Furthermore, 136% more people were on trolleys last month compared to April 2007 (7,860 versus 3,326).

Meanwhile, an analysis of January to April figures for the last nine years was also carried out and it revealed that in the first four months of this year, 35,135 people were left waiting for an inpatient bed. This marks the highest figure recorded for this four-month period since the INMO began its ‘Trolley Watch' figures back in 2004.

There were 26% more people on trolleys during this four-month period in 2015 compared to the same period in 2014, and 79% more when compared to this period in 2007.

The figures were released ahead of the INMO's Annual Delegate Conference, which runs from May 6-8. Overcrowding in hospitals will be one of many topics being debated at the conference, which takes place in Trim, Co Meath.

"INMO members will debate this ongoing crisis during our conference and they will outline the conditions in overcrowded Emergency Departments and wards where they work. These latest statistics confirm that our health services continue to be too small to adequately and safely meet the demands being placed upon it," commented INMO general secretary, Liam Doran.

The Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, will address the conference on May 8.