Management at University Hospital Kerry are appealing to the public to stay away - unless it's an extreme emergency - as the hospital is under pressure.

The Emergency Department (ED) at University Hospital Kerry (UHK) is exceptionally busy and has been coming under continuing pressure with high numbers presenting with a variety of complex needs.

Management are asking members of the public to only attend in the case of a genuine emergency, advising that, where possible, a GP or SouthDoc out-of-hours service be consulted in the first instance. People are asked to consider alternative care and treatment options and keep the ED services for the patients who need them most.

Management at UHK would like to remind the public that the Emergency Department is for emergency services only. Non-essential referrals should be deferred and the above alternatives considered.

Patient care and safety is paramount at University Hospital Kerry and the situation is being continually monitored as a priority by Hospital Management who have taken steps to address the issue. Management at UHK wishes to extend apologies for any inconvenience caused.