Thirty-five beds have been closed at University Hospital Galway, despite chronic overcrowding at the hospital.
The figure was revealed in correspondence from the HSE to Galway East TD Anne Rabbitte.
It is understood that the beds have been closed for several months to facilitate refurbishment and maintenance works being carried out at the hospital.
According to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, almost 680 admitted patients found themselves waiting on a trolley at UHG last month.
That is up almost 30% on the figure for October 2016.
Ms Rabbitte said she is concerned that badly-needed beds are remaining closed for long periods of time.
A spokesperson from the HSE western area said that they were not in a position to comment on bed closures at the hospital, or to give an outline as to when the beds would reopen.
