Non-urgent elective surgeries are being cancelled at Cork University Hospital today because of overcrowding.
An unprecedented number of people have been presenting at the emergency department there in recent weeks.
It is because of weather-related and seasonal illnesses, among other complaints.
48 people have received treatment in the emergency department, but are still awaiting a bed.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) is asking anyone else with an appointment for surgery this week to make contact with the hospital to confirm their status.
They are asking people to refer to their GP instead of presenting at the hospital.
CUH chief executive Tony McNamara told Cork's 96FM it is a critical situation.