Tallaght University Hospital has asked people to avoid its A&E due to overcrowding.
The hospital said its emergency department is currently at "full capacity" as all available beds are in use. Those who don't need urgent care are facing long wait times due to the sheer volume of patients.
In a statement on Thursday, a spokesperson for Tallaght Hospital said there is a shortage of beds, and with the high rates of admission at the moment, the hospital is under pressure. The hospital said it has "activated its Full Capacity Protocol" and is asking people to consider alternative care options including GP services, minor injuries units, and pharmacies before attending the A&E.
Read more: Minister taken to hospital and politicians asked to use underground tunnels in Leinster House
A spokeswoman said: “We are committed to treating everyone who presents to our ED however we do so strictly in order of medical priority.
“Given the volume of patients currently lengthy in the Emergency Department, we regret there are lengthy delays and long wait times for those who do not need urgent treatment. The Hospital regrets any delay a patient of any age experiences whilst waiting in our Emergency Department, patients are prioritised according to clinical need.
"We thank the public for their cooperation in this regard.”
Tallaght Hospital is also currently waiting for sign off on an external strategic analysis review, which was submitted to the HSE, so they can move to the next stage in the process of developing a new 72 single bed facility at the Hospital to cope with additional capacity requirements.
READ NEXT:
- Dublin Airport worker sparked security alert with replica guns so she could dress up as Tomb Raider Lara Croft
- Motor Neurone Disease early symptoms to watch out for, treatments, and diagnosis in Ireland
- Woman, 70s, dies after being hit by car in Navan, Co Meath
Gardai confirm six abuse allegations against Spiritan Order made within last week
Wife killer Joe O'Reilly now works as binman and has keen interest in Graham Dwyer's appeal
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
