The HSE is urging members of the public to use all care options available to them over Easter weekend.
They are concerned that emergency departments could become overwhelmed over the next few days.
Officials say any non urgent injuries can be dealt with through GPs, injury units, pharmacies or other out of hour services.
They are also warning of the potential for long delays for anyone heading to an emergency department this weekend.
All patients who present to our emergency departments will be seen and treated, with the sickest and most urgent patients being prioritised.
“We urge any patient requiring emergency hospital treatment not to delay and come to the ED, or dial 999 or 112 in an emergency,” a HSE spokesperson said.
“We also request people to only use these services when it is urgent. We acknowledge that patients presenting with non-urgent injuries may face longer waiting times, depending on the number of patients attending and the severity of patient illnesses. Our staff work hard to do all they can to reduce the length of time patients wait in EDs and we apologise when patients experience long delays.”
