The pressure on the health system is going to get worse before it gets better.
That's according to the HSE, which has warned it doesn't believe the situation is at it's peak yet.
The public are being urged to 'consider all option' like injury units, pharmacies and GPs before attending emergency Departments.
HSE Chief of Operations, Damien McCallion, says a very challenging January is expected:
"We don't believe we're at the peak of it at the moment."
Damien says the health system is "at the upper end of our pessimistic modelling."
He's also warned "we have some way to go over the coming weeks."
Emergency Department at UHL is exceptionally busy and patients are experiencing very long waits. We urge the public to consider alternative options including GP, out of hours GP and pharmacies. We apologise to patients experiencing long waits.
— UL Hospitals (@ULHospitals) January 2, 2023
Hospitals
A 'major internal incident' was declared at University Hospital Limerick yesterday.
Other hospitals like the Mater are also reporting very high attendance rates.
A statement from the Mater Hospital issued yesterday says;
"Patients who are presenting at our ED with non-urgent conditions are unfortunately experiencing lengthy waiting times to be seen."
It advised patients with less serious issues to go elsewhere for treatment, "such as minor injury units or their GP."
