Concern over potential 'perfect storm' hitting hospitals this winter as 20 children await beds

Stephen  Donnelly said that analysis of the hospital systems in the Southern Hemisphere had shown that this winter could see impacts from respiratory viruses, influenza and other issues.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says he is "very concerned" about a potential "perfect storm" hitting Irish hospitals this winter.

Mr Donnelly was responding to a call by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) to publish a fully funded winter plan to coincide with the publication of the Budget in two weeks.