The level of overcrowding at the region's main hospital is continuing to rise, despite a fall in numbers nationally.
Nurses says the number of people waiting for beds at University Hospital Limerick rose by ten per cent last month, compared to the same time in 2015.
New figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives organisation show 592 people were waiting for beds at University Hospital Limerick in May, up from 538 at the same time last year.
The Dooradoyle facility is one of only eight hospitals where there was a rise in trolley numbers last month, compared to a further 33 where there was an improvement in the level of overcrowding.
The INMO says the national decline in trolley figures can be put down to the new management plan agreed with the HSE and the improved weather.
But nurses are warning that the positive development will be short lived if the pause in recruitment isn't stood down immediately.
Ennis General Hospital also saw increased overcrowding, although minimal, with trolley numbers rising from 3 in May 2015 to 7 last month.
