DublinÂ’s three childrenÂ’s hospitals have issued a joint statement warning parents of unprecedented demands for admissions this weekend.

Parents are being asked to contact their family doctor or out-of-hours GP service before attending Emergency Departments after a recent increase in patients with respiratory infections.

The ChildrenÂ’'s Hospital Group representing Temple Street Hospital, Crumlin ChildrenÂ’'s Hospital and the National ChildrenÂ’'s Hospital in Tallaght have apologised to patients who may be faced with increased waiting times this weekend.