The Mater Hospital has today (2nd) issued a statement, appealing to the public, where possible, to avoid its emergency department.
It comes as the Irish health system finds itself under unprecedented strain as a result of a surge in cases of Covid-19, influenza and RSV.
Recent figures from the Irish Nurses' and Midwives' Organisation revealed that 2022 was the worst year for hospital over-crowding on record, with some 121,318 patients, including 2,777 children, going without a bed in hospitals throughout the past twelve months.
In December alone, 11,842 patients were admitted to hospital without a bed.
The Mater Hospital's statement was issued by shortly after two o'clock on Monday, January 2nd:
"The Mater Hospital is appealing to the public, where possible, to avoid its 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 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."
