Staffing levels in the health service are “in freefall” with rosters “decimated” by coronavirus absences, according to the INMO.

The nursing union issued the warning as Irish hospitals tend to a record 1,043 COVID-19 patients in Irish hospitals.

Meanwhile at least 96 people are in intensive care with the virus.

In a statement, the INMO said its Executive Council would hold an emergency meeting tomorrow to discuss the crisis.

"Dire levels"

It said rosters have been heavily impacted by COVID absences, surging patient numbers, and a lack of childcare for frontline staff.

INMO President Karen McGowan said the staffing situation has now “reached dire levels” in many hospitals.

“I am getting constant reports from colleagues across the country, speaking of wards closing, rosters unfilled, services under pressure and unmanageable workloads,” she said.

“The INMO’s Executive Council needs to now evaluate these demands on our members and the personal toll this is taking on them.

“The government does not seem to understand the severe staffing pressures happening at the moment.”

"Freefall"

The union noted that one-in-20 COVID-19 cases detected in Ireland so far has been a nurse or a midwife.

INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said staffing levels have been “in freefall since Christmas.”

“High COVID rates have decimated rosters, while driving up patient numbers,” she said. “There are now over a thousand COVID-positive patients in our hospitals.

“Our members are highly skilled and totally dedicated, but they are also utterly exhausted and immediate supports must be provided to them.”

It comes as health officials this evening announced 6,521 new confirmed cases and 10 further virus-related deaths.