A local Fianna Fáil TD is calling on the Minister for Health to designate certain hospitals as "non-covid" hospitals in which day-to-day procedures could be carried out.
Niamh Smyth warns that hospital resources will become more stretched as we approach the winter months, which could cause difficulties in people having routine hospital appointments met.
The Cavan-Monaghan TD says all patients, particularly those being treated for cancer, need to receive timely and appropriate care.
Deputy Smyth told Shannonside Northern Sound that non-covid hospitals are required for procedures that were already on the back-foot before the covid-19 pandemic: