More than 108,000 patients went without a hospital bed in 2018, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.

The INMO figures show it was the worst year on record - a 9% increase on 2017, and nearly double the figure in 2006 when the INMO began recording figures.

The highest trolley figures were reached in the first three months of last year.

University Hospital in Limerick was the worst affected by overcrowding, with 11,437 people waiting for a bed during the year.

Cork University Hospital, Galway University Hospital and Midlands Regional Hospital in Tullamore were among the other hospitals worst hit.

The INMO has blamed low capacity and understaffing for the high levels of overcrowding. 

INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha says there needs to be greater focus on dealing with the crisis.

She argued: "All of the research internationally tells us that patients who spend time on trolleys unfortunately have poorer outcomes to their health.

"You come into hospital, you're sick, you are sick enough to be deemed requiring admission for further care... and your outcome is compromised because the hospital doesn't have proper facilities for you. That's simply not good enough in this day and age."

Members of the INMO have already voted in favour of industrial action over staff shortages and pay, with the organisation's executive to meet next week to decide on strike dates.