The INMO has issued an urgent call for action following a massive jump in the number of Covid-19 cases in a Dublin hospital.
The Mater Hospital is facing extreme overcrowding due to a large number of patients presenting in the A&E.
Nearly 200 patients presented in the emergency department on Monday alone.
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INMO’s Director of Industrial Relations Albert Murphy said: "Based on previous bank holidays we could see a spike of up to 50% in the number of patients waiting for hospital beds after this weekend; that would mean close to 700 patients on trolleys across the country.
"The Mater Hospital issued its own statement earlier today calling on the public not to attend due to extreme pressure on the hospital."
He added: "There are significant numbers of staff absent due to COVID and it is understood that there were 8 ambulances on hold outside the hospital’s emergency department this afternoon.
"Due to COVID absences the ED does not have the required agreed staffing levels and there are currently 7 nurses short from the agreed roster.
"The hospital needs to ensure that staff and patients are protected during this crisis and that it takes all necessary safety measures. We are seeking an urgent meeting with the CEO of the Hospital to discuss this matter."
The hospital said today that services are "under extreme pressure" due to a "combination of large numbers of people contracting Covid, high numbers of presentations at the ED and high levels of staff absences due to Covid-19".
They warned that patients coming to the hospital with non-emergency conditions are facing lengthy wait times to be seen.
The Mater asked people who have non-urgent conditions to get help from other parts of the health service.
They said emergency conditions will continue to be seen at the hospital.
They said in a statement: "Where possible, the Mater advises patients with non-emergency conditions to seek assistance from other parts of the health service such as minor injury units or their GP.
"However, any patient who is in need of emergency hospital care will of course be seen and the Mater would urge such patients not to delay and to seek such care.
"We apologise for any inconvenience this causes to the public and thank them for their understanding and cooperation."
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