Naas General Hospital urging people to avoid 'very busy' emergency department today

Naas General Hospital has requested that patients do not attend the emergency department today unless in the event of an emergency due to a high number of admissions today.

There has been a sharp increase in overcrowding at Naas Hospital today with 23 patients without beds.

According to figures released by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), there are 19 patients in the emergency department and 4 patients on wards elsewhere in the Kildare facility.

In a media statement released this afternoon, Naas General Hospital said: "The Emergency Department at Naas General Hospital is very busy today with a high number of patients waiting for beds and patients experiencing extended waits. The Hospital is reminding members of the public to consider their care options before presenting to the ED."

"We advise that the public only attend our emergency services if absolutely essential. If you are unwell, please go to your GP or pharmacy in the first instance.  However, if you are seriously injured or ill or are worried your life is at risk the ED will assess and treat you as a priority. We apologise to any patients who are experiencing long waits, while we prioritise the sickest patients."

It is understood that there are 410 patients waiting for beds at hospitals across the country with 299 waiting in emergency departments while 111 are in wards elsewhere.

The worst hit hospitals today are:

University Hospital Limerick-50

Cork University Hospital-29

University Hospital Galway-27