THE MATER HOSPITAL in Dublin has asked the public not to attend its accident and emergency department unless absolutely necessary, as the hospital is under “extreme pressure”.

It said earlier that there were also IT issues, but a spokesperson has since clarified that systems underwent scheduled maintenance last week, which is not contributing to current pressures.

In a series of posts to X, the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital said: “Patients who are presenting at our ED with non-urgent conditions are unfortunately experiencing lengthy waiting times to be seen.

“Where possible, the Mater advises patients with non-emergency conditions to seek assistance from other parts of the health service, such as minor injury units or their GP.”

It said anyone who needs emergency care should still present to the Mater.

The hospital apologised for the inconvenience and thanked the public for their understanding.

There have been consistent reports of overcrowding at the Mater in recent years.

The hospital issued a similar public appeal to avoid its A&E just last month.