It says meaningful action is needed.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has called on the HSE to take extra measures and further extend the curtailing of all non-emergency care, until the end of January.
INMO General Secretary, Naas resident, Phil Ní Sheaghdha said: “We are dealing with a very different January in our health service this year, we are seeing huge increases in the number of patients on trolleys and a high number of nurses and midwives on COVID-related leave.
“Air quality in our hospitals continues to be a huge problem while overcrowding continues to be allowed.
"We believe that as an employer the HSE has an obligation to provide proper air filtration units such as HEPA filters across our hospitals, especially in overcrowded Emergency Departments and waiting areas.
Ní Sheaghdha was adamant that nurses and midwives need "some chance" of being able to carry out their work safely.
“Today 353 patients are on trolleys, a 100% increase on the number of patients on trolleys compared to this day last year.
"Our nursing and midwifery rosters are depleted. It is becoming increasingly difficult to fill rosters," she insisted.
"According to our own calculations based on figures provided by the HSE, 7.29% of nurses are on COVID-related leave at present.
“We know that COVID outbreaks are higher in healthcare settings compared to any other setting.
“It has been especially difficult for nurses and midwives over the last three weeks, in particular, they are working in extremely difficult circumstances.
"The HSE as an employer must do everything it can to protect this workforce, who are the most exposed to this virus day in and day out,” she added
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