University College Hospital in Galway has announced that all non-emergency admissions have been cancelled because of a shortage of beds.
In a statement the hospital said its emergency department is operating under considerable pressure with 20 patients waiting for admission this afternoon.
It said every effort is being made to find beds for those who require admission but all elective and non-emergency admissions have been deferred for the present.
The hospital statement says all emergencies will continue to be treated and it is apologising to those who cannot be admitted.
