Ireland's biggest hospital, St James's, has come under fire for offering ward prizes to move on patients faster.
The competition to speed up discharges was promoted on posters with the word 'Win!' and a slogan telling employees 'The battle is on - don't miss out'.
It was part of efforts to improve patient flow and free up beds at the Dublin hospital.
Prizes
Posters shared online show €250 euro was offered for the most improved use of the discharge lounge, with another €250 for the medical team that sends the most patients to the area before 11am.
The competition was due to run from October to January, but the posters have since been taken down.
A spokesperson for St. James' said the prize money was to be spent on "ward resources".
A statement explained that this meant "individual wards can access funding for patient comforts or staff development".
Overcrowding
It comes as hospitals deal with overcrowded A&Es. There were 566 patients waiting for a bed across the country yesterday according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.
21 people were on trolleys at St James's.
