Increasing cases of flu are putting pressure on local emergency departments.
A recent report compiled by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation shows over 100 patients have been waiting on trolleys or in wards in hospitals across the region.
Sligo University Hospital holds the highest figure in the region at 55, followed by Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore at 30.
There are 18 currently waiting on a hospital bed in Portiuncula Hospital, and 16 in Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar.
Nationally, there are 761 patients on trolleys today, with University Hospital Limerick holding the highest figure at 122.
The Irish Nurses' and Midwives' Organisation is hitting out at the HSE for not being prepared.
General Secretary, Phil Ní Sheaghdha says both patients and staff are suffering as a result:
