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.
Read more: Covid-19 cases continue to rise as Irish health service struggles to cope
It said: "We are appealing to the public, where possible, to avoid our emergency department (ED). Hospital services are under extreme pressure due to very 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 who is in need of emergency 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."
As of yesterday morning, there were 678 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in hospitals – a rise of 11 from the previous day. The latest figures show 29 patients are receiving treatment for coronavirus in intensive care.
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