University Hospital Galway (UHG) says it has had to cancel a number of surgeries and procedures due to overcrowding.

A number of hospitals, including Beaumont, the Mater and Cork University Hospital were forced to defer operations this week due to the high numbers attending Emergency Departments.

UHG says 32 procedures have been postponed and it is working to find alternative appointments for the patients.

Health Minister Leo Varadkar has said the cancellation of elective surgeries - while regrettable - is part of the escalation measures agreed with nurses to ease pressure in Emergency Departments.