A north Dublin hospital is appealing to the public to avoid its emergency department unless absolutely necessary.
The Mater Hospital on Eccles Street in Dublin 7 has said there are very long waiting times for patients who are presenting with non-urgent conditions. The public statement issued this afternoon said that the hospital services are under "extreme pressure".
Those who have concerns that are not an emergency are being asked to present to other parts of the health service such as a GP. But the hospital urged those who are need of emergency care to present to the hospital as they will be seen.
Read more: Tallaght Hospital tells public to avoid A&E as department at 'full capacity'
It said: "The Mater is appealing to the public, where possible, to avoid its Emergency Department (ED). Hospital services are under extreme pressure due to high numbers of presentations at the ED. Patients who are presenting at our ED with non-urgent conditions are unfortunately experiencing lengthy waiting times to be seen.
"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 that is in need of emergency hospital care will of course be seen and the Mater would urge such patients to not 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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