Tallaght Hospital has confirmed that it has had to cancel some non-urgent admisisons in a bid to deal with unprecedented pressure on its services.

The hospital, in a statement, said the current pressure on the hospital was being 'fully managed' and was under ongoing review, but some cancellations of non-urgent elective and day case surgery had occurred.

"Significant engagement is taking place with the medical and surgical staff in implementing the plan to address the current staff levels and maintain patient safety."

The hospital added: "While this is clearly an undesirable situation, it is not untypical at this time of the year. The cancellations are being carried out in planned manner and patients are being notified in advance."

It said significant engagement was taking place with the medical and surgical staff in implementing the plan to address the current staff levels and maintain patient safety.

The nurses' union, the INMO, yesterday called on the hospital to cancel all non-urgent admissions until further notice to deal with the pressure on emergency services and beds.

Unions have expressed concern about safety levels in many parts of the hospital due to a shortage of nursing staff.

They are due to meet hospital management tomorrow to discuss the crisis.

Call for halt to Tallaght admissions