Fire officers were called to inspect the accident and emergency (A&E) unit of Dublin's Tallaght hospital yesterday when an unprecedented level of overcrowding led to more than 60 patients left waiting on trolleys.
The situation was so grave it resulted in the hospital going off-call for a number of hours. It appealed to the public not to attend the unit unless absolutely necessary.
A spokesman for Dublin fire brigade said it sent personnel to the hospital after a member of the public reported fire exits were blocked. While the officers have powers to prosecute for such offences, warnings are usually given first, he said.
The overcrowding at Tallaght occurred as protests were taking place outside hospitals in Dublin, Cork and Roscommon over crisis conditions in A&Es.
The Health and Safety Authority, which has been inspecting several units, will complete its final inspection today and report its findings next Wednesday. It is understood it found fire exits blocked by trolleys and equipment in a number of A&Es and asked fire officers to investigate.
The Irish Nurses' Organisation, which organised the lunchtime protests which were backed by SIPTU, ICTU, Patients Together and Opposition TDs, last night said there were 350 patients on trolleys yesterday.
Terry Kelly, from Swords, was among those protesting outside the Mater hospital, where a 92-year-old woman was on a trolley since Sunday. Ms Kelly said her uncle, Dan Boyle (73), had spent five days and nights on a trolley before his death on St Patrick's Day. He only got a bed the day before he died.
The Health Service Executive claimed improvements were being made but protesters claimed otherwise.