A number of hospitals across the country are to reportedly stop providing trauma care as part of a new centralisation strategy.

The Sunday Business Post says this is part of new measures to cut down on overcrowding.

A report recommends the new strategy, which would create two major trauma units: one to be based in Dublin and one in Cork.

If the new measures are implemented, it would mean patients who have been in car crashes or had serious injuries, broken limbs and major wounds will be no longer be treated at some hospitals.

The Sunday Business Post, which has seen the report, says three Dublin hospitals and a number of regional hospitals - including Cavan, Naas and Portlaoise - will stop taking trauma patients.

It says local trauma units will be responsible for treating less serious injuries such as fractures.

This new move by Health Minister Simon Harris aims to reduce the numbers in emergency departments.

A proposal is set to be brought to Cabinet over the coming weeks.