A Dublin hospital has said that it is under "extreme pressure" due to the high numbers of people presenting to the emergency department.
The Mater Hospital has urged people to stay away from the ED wherever possible due to lengthy waiting times for non-urgent conditions. They are advising to attend a minor injury unit or GP if the issue is not an emergency.
But they said that anyone who needs emergency care will be seen as soon as possible and that patients should not delay if they need immediate help. The public were thanked for their understanding and cooperation.