Cork University Hospital is reporting delays in admissions, with nearly 1,300 people presenting at the emergency department over the past ten days.

In a statement this evening, the hospital said that this is due to a large number of very ill patients requiring admission and an increase in trauma cases.

562 of the patients required inpatient admission.

Hospital management have requested that people - if their case is not urgent - contact their GPs before presenting at the Emergency Department.

Hospital management say they have taken steps to address the delays, and acknowledged "the hard work and dedication of all staff during this very busy time".

"We want to reassure members of the public that we are addressing this issue as a priority and every effort is being made to minimise delays," the statement adds.