Tallaght University Hospital has asked people to avoid its A&E due to overcrowding.
The hospital said its emergency department is currently at "full capacity" as all available beds are in use. Those who don't need urgent care are facing nightmarish wait times due to the sheer volume of patients.
The hospital said it has "activated its Full Capacity Protocol" and is asking people to consider alternative care options including GP services, minor injuries units, and pharmacies before attending the A&E.
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A statement from the hospital reads: "Every effort is being made to discharge patients who are ready to go home so that beds will become available for patients who need to be admitted, at the earliest opportunity.
"We are committed to treating everyone who presents to our ED however we do so strictly in order of medical priority." The hospital went on to apologise for the inconvenience due to the delays.
They added: "The Hospital regrets any delay a patient of any age experiences whilst waiting in our Emergency Department, patients are prioritised according to clinical need."
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