Temple Street Children's University Hospital has asked parents to consider avoiding the emergency department if their child is not seriously ill or injured due to overcrowding.
The move comes as the hospital is very busy with a number of children waiting in the emergency department for an inpatient bed.
The hospital issued a statement today explaining that the increase in patients is as a result of a large number of very young children and babies presenting with gastrointestinal and respiratory infections.
The hospital has asked parents to think about all their care and treatment options including their local family GP and doctor out of hours service before attending the emergency department.
However, if your child is seriously ill or injured or you are worried that their life may be at risk, the hospital said you should attend the emergency department for assessment.
Temple Street apologised to any families who may have an increased wait for their child to be admitted and to families whose children may have to have their scheduled surgery postponed at short notice.
The hospital says it is making every effort to improve the situation.
