Temple St Children's Hospital sees overcrowding at its Emergency Department

Temple St Children's University Hospital in Dublin is experiencing overcrowding at its Emergency Department today.

It is asking parents to think about treatment options before attending the ED, unless a child is seriously ill.

The hospital is also apologising to any families whose children are waiting to be admitted or if surgery has had to be postponed at short notice.

The hospital said: "Given the time of year, the ED is also seeing an increase in patients, particularly very young children (under five years of age) and babies, with gastrointestinal and respiratory infections.

"In this regard Temple Street is asking parents to think about all their care and treatment options including their local family GP and GP out of hours service before attending the ED.

"However if your child is seriously ill or injured or you are worried that their life may be at risk, please attend our ED and we will assess and treat your child as a priority."