The Social Democrats say we're now at "crisis" point when it comes to the number of people on trolleys in hospitals nationwide.
10, 538 patients, including 273 children, were admitted to Irish hospitals without a bed in October.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has called on both the HSE and the Government to outline what steps are being taken to reduce overcrowding.
Social Democrats Health Spokesperson, Roisin Shortall, says it could be a tough winter if the figures for October are anything to go by:
"The word 'crisis' describes the current situation, because the winter is only just starting now. But the idea of having that level of people on trolleys during the month of October, where there are over 10,500 people left on trolleys is completely unacceptable, and it shows major shortcomings in relation to government planning".
