All non-urgent elective procedures due to take place at Cork University Hospital on Thursday have been postponed due to an “exceptionally busy” period in the emergency department there.
Over 1,700 people attended the emergency department over the course of eight days from January 11th to 19th, with 892 of those being admitted for treatment. There are delays in the department as a result.
A large number of people have presented with injuries from a fall and flu like symptoms due to the recent bad weather conditions, according to a statement from the HSE.
Management took the decision to postpone the procedures in an effort to reduce pressure on the hospital as a whole.
Patients who are affected by the decision have been contacted and the HSE says their appointments will be rescheduled as soon as possible.
Hospital management have asked that people contact their GP before attending the emergency department if their needs are not urgent.
