Sligo hospital has seen huge overcrowding during the last year leading to over 34 consultants in the facility to write a letter to the Taoiseach expressing their concern

It will cater for suspected broken bones, wounds, minor burns and scalds among other services.

People may be waiting a number of hours for treatment.

Both Sligo and Galway University Hospitals are reporting heavy overcrowding today.

According to Councillor Byrne, the figures do not take into account the rescheduled procedures.

Nationally, the health service is dealing with 721 people with Covid in hospitals according to the latest HSE figures.

While the number of positive patients in local hospitals is still low compared to earlier this year, health officials are urging the public to be mindful.

The new laws on how and why a person can be admitted to a psychiatric unit are being looked at as part of the process