HSE warns of 'very difficult' few weeks as patient numbers spike

HSE chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry said the healthcare system is 'under very high pressure, from end to end'. Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin

Patient numbers are rising and most hospitals are now on high alert, with the next few weeks set to be "very difficult", the HSE's chief clinical officer Colm Henry has warned.

Christmas week usually sees a temporary reduction in pressure with more beds available in hospitals but that is not happening, he told the Irish Examiner.