The Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore, has opened additional beds to cope with the increasing number of admissions.
In a statement, management at the hospital asked patients with non-emergency conditions to seek assistance from their local pharmacist, GP, GP out-of-hours service, or a local injury unit.
However, management said that any patient who needs emergency hospital care will be seen and Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore would urge such patients not to delay attending the ED.
The statement said patients who are presenting at the ED with non-urgent conditions are experiencing very long waiting times to be seen.
The hospital has apologised for any inconvenience caused and thanked the public for their support and understanding.
