Galway Bay fm newsroom - The Health Service Executive says patients at the Emergency Department at University Hospital Galway are being dealt with in order of medical priority.
The city hospital has been among the most overcrowded hospitals in the country this week, according to figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.
The HSE says the A&E Department has been very busy this week with high numbers of people presenting.
Hospital management say they are committed to treating everyone, but strictly in order of medical priority, which may result in long delays for some patients.
The HSE has confirmed that St. Gerard's Ward at UHG is operating as normal and they are hoping to retain a significant number of student nurses.
National approval is being sought to retain some newly qualified nurses at UHG but the HSE says the Saolta hospitals group must operate within its budget.
