Hospital emergency departments are bracing themselves for a major surge in patient attendances from today.
The expected increase is driven by high flu levels and increased capacity after Christmas.
It comes after new figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation showed last year was the worst on record for overcrowding.
Over 118-thousand people were on trolleys in 2019, nine percent higher than in 2018.
Visiting restrictions remain in place at Letterkenny University Hospital today where there are 18 patients waiting for a bed and a further 6 in Sligo University Hospital.
A total of 547 people are waiting on trolleys or chairs in Irish Hospitals around the country today.
INMO General Secretary, Phil Ni Sheaghdha says increased staffing and bed capacity is required:
