The Emergency Department at University Hospital Galway is extremely busy today.
The INMO says 68 patients are on trolleys, making it the second most overcrowded hospital after Limerick.
In addition there are 38 cases of flu impacting several wards.
As a necessary infection control measure, hospitals in Galway have introduced visiting restrictions.
One visitor per inpatient will be permitted each day, and where a ward is managing a flu outbreak, visiting will be limited to compassionate grounds only.
Symptoms of flu include a high temperature, aches and pains, headache, sore throat or cough.
If you have any of these symptoms you are asked not to visit a loved one in the hospital.
Due to these ongoing pressures and the lack of bed capacity, the hospital is postponing some elective procedures.
Urgent and time-sensitive procedures are being prioritised.
Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.
The hospital is committed to treating everyone who presents at the Emergency Department, but is asking that other options are explored first.
People who are seriously injured or ill will be treated as a priority and those who do not require urgent care may be waiting longer.
