14 children on trolleys at Temple Street due to overcrowding

Only 'seriously' ill or injured children should be brought to Temple Street Children's Hospital, parents have been warned.

The emergency department is experiencing severe overcrowding today, with 14 kids currently on trolleys there. Some children have had their scheduled surgeries at the hospital postponed at short notice. An increase in the numbers of babies and young children presenting with gastrointestinal and respiratory issues is to blame for long wait for inpatient beds, the Temple Street said in a statement. It urged parents to consider visiting their GPs if their kids are suffering with these issues. "If your child is seriously ill or injured or you are worried that their life may be at risk, please attend our ED and we will assess and treat your child as a priority," the hospital said. Temple Street has apologised to those who are waiting at the hospital and those whose surgeries have been delayed. "The hospital is making every effort to improve the situation." As it stands, there are three children on trolleys at the emergency department in Our Lady's Hospital in Crumlin and one waiting for a bed at the National Children's Hospital in Tallaght, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Association. A total of 528 people are waiting on trolleys in hospitals across the country today.