The hospital said the move is "necessary" in order to deal with the latest wave's impact.
The Mater Hospital in Dublin has announced it is limiting activity at the hospital to essential services only from Friday evening until further notice.
This will mean that outpatient appointments and elective surgeries will be "curtailed" to essential services.
"The Mater regrets the impact that this will have on our patients but these new arrangements are necessary in order to deal with the impact of the latest wave of Covid-19," the hospital said in a statement.
https://twitter.com/MaterTrauma/status/1459263970712469515
It comes as
5,483 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in Ireland on Friday (12 November), the highest daily figure since early January.
According to the HSE's daily operation updates, as of Friday at 8pm, the Mater has 61 patients with confirmed Covid-19 - the highest number of any acute hospital site in the country.
The Mater Hospital said patients whose appointments are being deferred will be contacted by phone.
"Unless you receive a telephone call, please attend your appointment as normal," it added.
It also said that the Mater Emergency Department is "extremely busy with high numbers attending".
Where possible, it advises that patients seek help from their GP or local injury clinic unless they think they require hospital care.
The hospital said that, at present, patients are experiencing long waits for non-emergency conditions.
“Our staff across every part of the hospital are working around the clock to deal with the virus, care for those infected and to protect and care for other patients in the hospital," it said.
“The Mater Hospital is employing all infection control measures and every effort is being made to manage and control the spread of the virus."
It apologised for the inconvenience and thanked the public and its patients for their cooperation at this time.
Main image via Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie
