More than 930 patients are without a bed in Irish hospitals today, a new record.
It comes as the HSE is advising patients to avoid Emergency Departments unless necessary, as the system grapples with one of its 'busiest ever periods'.
A new record has been set for overcrowding in Irish hospitals, according to the latest figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation .
The figures show 931 people are being treated in trolleys or chairs across the country,
In emergency departments, there are 767 patients, while 164 are elsewhere within a facility.
There are also 26 children admitted to a hospital without a bed.
University Hospital Limerick is the most overcrowded facility in the country, with 97 patients on trolleys.
Its followed by Cork University Hospital where 74 patients are left waiting.
