The level of overcrowding in Irish hospitals has jumped significantly over the last year, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has claimed.

According to an analysis of its trolley watch figures, there was a 32% increase in overcrowding in September of this year when compared to the same period last year.

One hospital - the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore - had 13 patients waiting on trolleys in September 2013. In September 2014, the number of patients waiting was a staggering 508.

Other hospitals which saw big jumps between September 2013 and September 2014 included:
-St James's Hospital in Dublin - 329 patients waiting in September 2014 compared to 117 in 2013
-Sligo General Hospital - 200 patients waiting in 2014 compared to 45 in 2013
-Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda - 593 waiting in 2014 compared to 214 in 2013.

Altogether, 6,511 patients were left waiting on trolleys throughout the country in September 2014 compared to 4,930 in September 2013 - an increase of 32%.

The INMO also pointed out that in there has been a 48% increase in overcrowding since September 2012, when 4,400 patients were on trolleys.

"These figures are truly shocking and confirm an increase in overcrowding which should be unacceptable to everyone. It is confirmation that emergency measures are necessary and that the Government must act now to end the daily suffering of patients," commented INMO general secretary, Liam Doran.

He called for additional funding for the health service to be made available ‘for the end of this year and running right through 2015'.