WATCH: Limerick people speak out about overcrowding crisis at UHL

FOLLOWING the declaration of a “major internal incident" at University Hospital Limerick earlier this week, Limerick Live took to the streets of the city centre to ask people for their views on the crisis.

Due to the pressure they are under, both UL Hospitals Group and the HSE have urged Limerick people to avoid the emergency department and to consider all other options before attending at the hospital.

Visiting restrictions remain in place at UHL and all non-urgent elective procedures have been deferred.

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Separately, the Department of Public Health Mid-West has also called on the people of Limerick to stay at home if they are showing signs of cold and flu due to unprecedented levels of pressure on the system.

Because of a surge in Covid-19 cases, as well as flu and other viruses, hospitals and healthcare providers have been under strain.

The HSE says it expects an increase in cases, which will put hospitals and EDs under more pressure, over the coming weeks – including at University Hospital of Limerick.