Overcrowding continues as over 500 patients without beds at MUH last month

Figures released by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) have stated that 528 patients at Mayo University Hospital were treated without a hospital bed in March 2026.

This is a sizeable increase from March 2025, when 336 patients at MUH were treated without a hospital bed.

Nationally, 11,130 patients were without hospital beds last month, making it the second-highest March on record in terms of hospital overcrowding.

Speaking on the newly released figures, INMO general secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha said:

“This is the third consecutive month that we have seen over 10,000 people on trolleys in our hospitals, and our members are now concerned that this will become the new normal. Current trolley trends predict how the system will cope come autumn and winter.

READ MORE: North Mayo councillor calls for 7-day hospital services in MUH

“Every year that we see higher overcrowding numbers, it means the bar for safety in our hospitals is being lowered. And our members are the ones who have to bridge the gap between the patients’ needs and the lack of resources. 

“This is deeply unfair to patients, and the physical and psychological effects on these workers are enormous.  These are not acceptable standards in healthcare or in working conditions, and it is vital that any shortfalls in staffing and resources are addressed so that this situation does not continue or worsen over the coming months,” he added.

Yesterday, (Tuesday, March 31), saw a total of 32 patients without beds at MUH. Of the figures, 15 are in the emergency department, and a further 17 are in wards elsewhere.

Today, 28 patients are without beds, 11 in the Emergency Department and 17 on wards elsewhere.