The HSE is warning of long waiting times for people who attend emergency departments this weekend.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Association yesterday said overcrowding at hospitals around the country is currently "out of control."
The HSE have said that yesterday morning the number of people on trolleys in Emergency Departments across the country had increased by 30% compared to the same day last year.
They say the current situation is as a result of increased ED attendances by patients, many whom are older and frailer, while they say respiratory illnesses are still circulating.
Over the St.Patrick’s Bank Holiday weekend, which is always one of the busiest times of year for hospitals, the HSE are encouraging the public to attend hospitals only when it’s an emergency.
