The emergency department at Mercy University Hospital in Cork is experiencing high demand due to "a marked increase" in attendance by acutely ill patients and a "surge" in Covid-19 and winter vomiting bug presentations.
In a statement, the hospital said this is in addition to caring for frail older persons with complex needs.
The emergency department remains open, the statement added, but "it is regrettable that patients are and will continue to experience delays".
The hospital is appealing to people who need less urgent treatment to avail, where possible, of other care services.
They are being advised to contact their GPs in the first instance, or to attend the local injury unit at St Mary's Health Campus in Gurranabraher, which is open from 8am to 6pm.
In addition, the local injury unit at Bantry General Hospital operates between 8am and 7.30pm and the local injury unit at Mallow General Hospital is open from 8am to 8pm.
The South Doc service is available to those seeking medical attention outside normal working hours.
