There have been protests in the Mid-West today following the announcement that the region's main kidney unit is not accepting any new patients.
The Limerick dialysis unit is the busiest in the country, but because of the round the clock pressure it does not have the capacity to take on any new patients.
People needing dialysis will have to travel to hospitals in Tullamore, Tralee, Kilkenny and Galway for treatment.
The Irish Kidney Association described the news as 'deplorable'.
The association said the decision would create huge new pressures and additional stress for patients.
The Health Service Executive said it is willing to meet the association to try to find ways of improving access to dialysis treatment
