BREAKING: Serious situation developing at Tipperary University Hospital

High numbers are said to be presenting at the emergency department of Tipperary University Hospital with a variety of complex needs

placeholder image — High numbers are said to be presenting at the emergency department of Tipperary University Hospital with a variety of complex needs

The hospital is currently dealing with high levels of activity and patients with respiratory and serious illnesses.

Tipperary University Hospital is "extremely busy and is experiencing significantly high levels of activity with large numbers of people presenting to the Emergency Department (ED)".

In a statement, TUH said: "Many of those attending need to be admitted for ongoing treatment which is leading to pressure on bed availability.

"The hospital is currently dealing with high levels of activity and patients with respiratory and serious illnesses.

"This is also impacting on bed capacity across the hospital.

"These ongoing pressures are resulting in significant delays being experienced by patients in the ED who are waiting for a bed to become available on a ward.

"Every effort is being made to discharge patients who are ready to go home so that beds will become available for patients who need to be admitted, at the earliest opportunity.

"Our hospital is committed to treating everyone who presents at the Emergency Department.

"People who are seriously injured or ill are assessed and treated as a priority and those who do not require urgent care may experience long waiting times.

"We ask that the public consider their care options.

"If your health problem is not an emergency you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours or the GP out of hours service, in the first instance."

Meanwhile, Tipperary University Hospital management is advising that the hospital is closed to visitors on infection prevention and control advice with effect from Friday, January 9, 2026 until further notice.

The numbers of patients presenting with flu and respiratory symptoms remain high and the hospital is currently managing an outbreak of flu, which is impacting some wards.

Visiting is only permitted in exceptional circumstances by arrangement with the Clinical Nurse Manager / Nurse in Charge. Visiting on compassionate grounds will be facilitated by the Clinical Nurse Manager on the ward, for the following patients:

End Of Life Patients
Critically ill Patients

Hospital management and staff would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to patients and visitors. These actions are undertaken to protect vulnerable patients and limit the spread of infection.