Tullamore Hospital is Ireland's most overcrowded today

Tullamore Hospital is the most overcrowded in the country today, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.

The INMO’s trolley and ward watch figures reveal there were 50 people on trolleys or chairs in the emergency department or on additional beds in wards.

This morning the HSE asked people to consider visiting their GP before attending the hospital. Its Escalation Policy has been activated at the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore.

The HSE said “the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore is experiencing high levels of attendances and admissions today.”

“In order to assist us we are requesting that patients in the first instance, consider using their GP or Midoc Service for medical assessment, where possible,” the HSE stated.  The situation is be reviewed on an ongoing basis by the HSE.