Dramatic and immediate action is needed to end overcrowding in hospital emergency departments, says the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation

The union will resume talks with the HSE later aimed at averting a potential strike.

ED nurses voted 92% in favour of industrial action last month, with a strike due to take place on December 15, along with another day of action in the New Year.

On Thursday, the INMO published figures which revealed a 24% increase in the number of people on trolleys in emergency departments between January and November when compared with the same period last year.

INMO Deputy General Secretary Dave Hughes says that immediate action is needed.