Nurses say 52 people are waiting for beds at University Hospital Limerick today.
This latest spike in overcrowding follows a warning from UL Hospitals Group that the region's main hospital has been experiencing increased patient numbers over the past number of days.
The latest figures from the INMO show 30 patients were waiting on trolleys in UHL's emergency department this morning, with a further 22 in overflow areas of wards.
The figure is much higher than any other hospital in the country with University Hospital Galway the second busiest facility, where 35 people are waiting for beds.
This latest spike in overcrowding follows a warning from UL Hospitals Group that the Dooradoyle facility has been experiencing increased patient numbers over the past number of days, leading to extensive waiting times.
People are being reminded to keep the Emergency Department for emergencies only and to contact their GP or GP Out of Hours services in the first instance.
The Injury Units is open in Ennis seven days a week from 8am to 8pm – There, a range of minor injuries including sprains, strains, broken bones, minor burns and dislocations will be treated, and a GP referral is not required.
Clare FM has sought comment from the UL Hospitals Group on the surge in patients today, and is awaiting a response.
Management are also yet to respond to INMO claims that the new A&E unit at Dooradoyle may now not open until late next year, rather than in the first quarter of 2017.
