# Irish hospital overcrowding and nursing industrial action > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/irish-hospital-overcrowding-and-nursing-industrial-action > Updated: 2026-10-28T21:10:45.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. Irish hospitals are experiencing critical levels of overcrowding, with the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) reporting that 824 patients were being treated without a bed on a single Wednesday, the highest daily count recorded this year. The Health Service Executive (HSE) attributed the impact on service delivery to an ongoing public sector work-to-rule related to cost-of-living pay negotiations. INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha described the situation as “dangerous” and a “total failure in planning,” citing understaffed wards and a cessation of recruitment for vacant posts. As the situation progressed, nurses at Naas General Hospital commenced indefinite industrial action. The INMO stated that previous commitments to address staffing shortages remained unimplemented due to recruitment restrictions, warning that adding beds without adequate staffing has created an unsafe environment amid high overcrowding levels. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-28: Nurses launch industrial action over staffing and safety concerns Nurses in Australia and Ireland have initiated strikes and industrial action, citing critical staffing shortages, pay disparities, and risks to patient safety. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nurses-launch-industrial-action-over-staffing-and-safety-concerns ### 2026-10-27: Irish hospitals face rising overcrowding and industrial action Irish hospitals are facing record overcrowding, with over 800 patients treated without beds as industrial action and high demand strain the HSE. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/irish-hospitals-face-rising-overcrowding-and-industrial-action --- Cite as: Irish hospital overcrowding and nursing industrial action. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/irish-hospital-overcrowding-and-nursing-industrial-action