Healthcare System Pressures

Ireland's healthcare system remains under significant pressure from seasonal illnesses as flu and other respiratory viruses continue to circulate widely. According to recent reports, hospital emergency departments are experiencing high levels of bed occupancy as flu admissions and related respiratory cases continue to strain capacity.

Overcrowding Crisis

A report from the Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation (INMO) highlighted that more than 13,000 patients were treated without a proper hospital bed in January 2026, with overcrowding particularly acute in major hospitals such as University Hospital Limerick, Galway University Hospital, and Cork University Hospital.

Frontline Staff Overwhelmed

Frontline staff have described conditions as "completely overwhelmed," with trolley counts and surge capacity areas used frequently to manage patient volume. The combination of seasonal flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses has created unprecedented demand on emergency services.

Call for Preventative Measures

Health service organisations continue to call for vaccination uptake and robust preventative measures to mitigate further spread of seasonal illnesses. This includes promoting influenza and COVID-19 vaccines and encouraging good hygiene practices across communities.