Sligo Univeristy Hospital is the worst affected with 50 people waiting for a hospital bed whilst Portiuncla Hospital in Ballinasloe has 29 people waiting in it's ED.

Sligo University Hospital recorded 720 people waiting for a hospital bed last year, with 737 waiting this year so far.

Sligo University Hospital is the second busiest ED in the country today.

Today's Trolley Watch figures show 20 people waiting for a hospital bed in Portiuncula, over 12 percent of their total bed capacity.

Dr Gerry O' Mara says while he doesn't expect the new scheme will have any significant impact on overcrowding, it may prevent some older patients having to lie on trolleys for a number of days in an Emergency Department.

Stephen Black, a data scientist from Belfast, is basing his findings on the results of a major study.

Patients are being asked to consider consulting a pharmacist, a GP or attending a minor injury unit before going to an Emergency Department.

Senator Aisling Dolan feels nurses should be upskilled to act as advanced nurse practitioners.