A general view of the Mater Hospital in Dublin's north inner city.

A general view of the Mater Hospital in Dublin's north inner city.

THE MATER HOSPITAL in Dublin city is telling people to stay away from its emergency department because of overcrowding.

A statement from the Mater says it is currently experiencing “very high numbers and protracted waiting times” at the emergency department.

As a result, they want prospective patients to look elsewhere:

We are asking the public, where possible, to attend their GP in the first instance, or the Rapid Injury Clinic in Smithfield for minor injuries.

The Mater is also advising patients at its emergency department that cases will be dealt with in order of priority so less urgent cases will experience delays.