Mater Hospital asks public to avoid its emergency department due to systems problem

Ellen O'Donoghue

The Mater Hospital in Dublin is currently experiencing a systems problem which means it cannot access patients’ electronic health records.

As a result, there is an appeal to the public to avoid its emergency department where possible.

Anyone with non-urgent conditions is likely to experience lengthy waiting times to be seen.

They also noted, however, that those in need of emergency hospital care will be seen to, and urged such patients "not to delay and to seek such care".

“Where possible, the Mater advises patients with non-emergency conditions to seek assistance from other parts of the health service such as other minor injury units or their GP,” the hospital said in a statement.

The Mater’s Rapid Injury Clinic in Smithfield has also been impacted and is currently closed.

Outpatient appointments are unaffected by the IT issues.