Hospital overcrowding continues to put pressure on patients and healthcare staff across the Republic of Ireland, as preparations continue for the 2026–2027 flu vaccination programme.
The HSE’s 8:00am report today (17th September 2026) recorded 382 admitted patients without a suitable ward bed: 267 in emergency departments and 115 in wards. Of these, 67 had waited more than 24 hours, including four patients aged 75 or older.
University Hospital Limerick, which serves North Co. Tipperary, once again remains the most overcrowded hospital in Ireland; while Tipperary University Hospital Clonmel, serving South Co Tipperary is the fifth most overcrowded hospital in the country today.
The same report recorded 597 delayed transfers of care as of midnight; patients ready to leave hospital but awaiting care arrangements or home supports. These delays reduce the beds available for other patients. The trolley figures according to the HSE daily report, exclude people still waiting to be seen or triaged in emergency departments.
Earlier in the week, on September 14th the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) reported 628 patients on trolleys, chairs or other inappropriate bed spaces. It described overcrowding as exceptionally high for the time of year and warned that recruitment and retention shortfalls were undermining staff’s ability to provide safe care.
Meanwhile, the HSE says it expects to receive its full flu vaccine supply for the 2026–2027 national programme, with the main public campaign planned to launch on 8th October. Deliveries are arriving in phases, and healthcare professionals can begin vaccinating as stock becomes available, prioritising those most at risk.
The Irish Pharmacy Union says pharmacies are prioritising eligible patients for whom stock is available under the HSE programme. However, it reports that supplies for private flu vaccinations, for people outside the eligible groups, remain unconfirmed. AstraZeneca, which supplies the children’s nasal spray vaccine, has reported no supply issue in Ireland.
Free flu vaccination is available to people aged 60 and older, pregnant women, healthcare workers, people with specified underlying conditions, eligible carers and other qualifying groups. Children aged two to 17 can receive the nasal flu vaccine free of charge.
People seeking vaccination should check availability with their GP or pharmacist as supplies reach local services.
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