Mater Hospital Appeals To People To Avoid ED

One of Dublin's main hospitals is appealing for people to stay away from its Emergency Department unless absolutely necessary.

The Mater Hospital says it's under significant pressure because of a high number of people seeking emergency treatment, an increased number of Covid positive patients and staff absences because of the virus.

The hospital is advising patients with non-emergency conditions to seek help from minor injury clinics or their GP.

1/4 The Mater Hospital is again appealing to the public, where possible, to avoid its emergency department. The hospital is under significant pressure due to a combination of high presentations at the ED, and an increased number of Covid positive patients in the hospital,

— Mater Hospital Trauma (@MaterTrauma) April 6, 2022

Tallaght Hospital

Separately long wait times at Tallaght Hospital's Emergency Department have been described as "alarming".

Figures obtained by Sinn Féin show 1,650 patients were waiting over 24 hours for care at the ED so far this year.

TD Mark Ward says a specific plan is needed for Tallaght Hospital to deal with long waits and overcrowding.

"We need an urgent zero-tolerance plan for Emergency Department overcrowding and long waits led by the Minister for Health. There is no single solution. We need capacity put in where it is needed, but just as importantly, essential Sláintecare reforms need to be advanced quickly" he said.