Demand on Cavan ED expected to last days

The HSE says the Emergency Department in Cavan General Hospital is currently experiencing a "high number of presentations and admissions" and that this "pressure" is expected to "continue over the coming days".

As such, management at the hospital is urging the public to use "alternative healthcare services" for treatment such as GP, GP Out of Hours and pharmacies, "when appropriate".

If patients are "very sick and in an emergency situation" the HSE add that they "should of course come" and present to the Emergency Department.

"Emergency Departments are always available to treat seriously ill patients and the sickest patients are seen first. People with less severe injuries and symptoms may have to wait to be seen," said a statement from the HSE this afternoon.

It also said that hospital management would like to acknowledge the "hard work, commitment and dedication" of all staff at this time.