Elective surgery has resumed at Cork University Hospital after being deferred for a two-week period over Christmas.
Hospital CEO Tony McNamara said the decision had been the right one given the overcrowding problems that arose last week at CUH and at the country's other public hospitals.
He also confirmed that 19 low-risk patients had been transferred to three hospitals in the city yesterday.
The decision had been taken in an attempt to reduce overcrowding and free up beds for new patients.
The hospital recorded 40 patients on trolleys yesterday, the highest in the country.
It said 11 patients were transferred to the Mater Private Hospital, six to the South Infirmary/Victoria University Hospital and two to the Community Hospital in Clonakilty.
This is the second year that beds have been bought at the Mater Private for public patients.
Today, there are 45 patients on trolleys in emergency departments or on wards waiting admission to a hospital bed at CUH, according to figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.
Visitor restrictions remain in place @CUH_Cork as a new 8 bedded surgical day unit opens at hospital in a bid to eliminate day surgery cancellations.
— JennïeØSullivân (@OSullivanJennie) January 8, 2018
CUH trolley figures today:
HSE - 28 on trolleys
IMNO 32 on trolleys, 13 on wards. pic.twitter.com/w3KNuCXOCC
Meanwhile, a new eight-bed day surgery unit opened today at the hospital.
Mr McNamara said the facility, which cost €250,000, is one of 200 initiatives being introduced at the hospital to tackle overcrowding.
He said it will reduce demand for overnight stays and free up beds.
More than 20% of operations at the hospital are elective.
Of the 26 patients listed for surgery today, ten are in-patients requiring overnight beds, while 16 will be treated and released today.
Visitor restrictions remain in place at the hospital.
