
Beds across the Midlands hospitals were in use up to June this year.
Bed occupancy at hospitals in the Midlands in the first six months of the year is at an unsafe level.
The Irish Times is reporting that 99% of beds at the Midlands Regional Hospital in Tullamore were in use up to June of this year.
The figure is 98% in Mullingar, while there's a 83% rate of occupancy in Portlaoise.
Multiple studies indicate high numbers of patients in beds result in increased staff overrun, poorer infection control, and worse patient outcomes.
A bed occupancy rate of 85% is considered to be the limit when it comes to safety.