Health experts warn overcrowded wards increase infection risks, cause delays to care, and put staff under severe strain.
Naas General Hospital has been operating close to unsafe levels of bed occupancy this year, new HSE figures show.
Between January and June, Naas recorded an average occupancy of 89 per cent.
That is slightly down on last year’s 92 per cent, but well above the safe limit of 85 per cent.
In 2023, the rate was just 75 per cent.
Nationally, hospitals averaged 95.9 per cent occupancy in the first six months of 2025.
Health experts warn overcrowded wards increase infection risks, cause delays to care, and put staff under severe strain.
Nine hospitals exceeded full capacity, with St Luke’s in Kilkenny at 116 per cent, University Hospital Limerick at 114 per cent, and St Vincent’s in Dublin at 111 per cent.
Sinn Féin health spokesman David Cullinane said the figures show the system is operating at a "dangerous level” and warned there is no room for surge capacity.
The HSE says it is working to reduce pressure on hospitals through Sláintecare reforms, new community beds, and the development of elective hospitals.
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