Dozens of patients at Beaumont hospital have had operations cancelled due to a shortage of anaesthetic staff.
Two of the hospitals 10 operating theatres are closed at any one time because they don't have the staff.
This represents a doubling of the level of closures since last year when one theatre was shut.
Up to 40 patients are affected in each cancellation period and include those with brain tumours and serious spinal problems.
The theatre closures are likely to lead to longer waiting lists.
