Making local injury units 24/7 is being suggested as a way to instantly cut down on hospital overcrowding.
2022 was the worst year for overcrowding on record, with over 121 thousand patients left waiting for a bed.
A motion is going before the Dáil today calling for Medical Assessment Units and Local Injury Units at Ireland's smaller, Level 2 hospitals to stay open 24 hours a day.
Yesterday Cork University Hospital was the most overcrowded hospital in the country, with 88 patients waiting for a bed at the facility, with a total of 112 people are waiting for beds at Cork's three emergency hospitals
Independent TD Marian Harkin is one of those behind the motion - she says it could alleviate pressure on emergency departments overnight.
"These units deliver expert, efficient and timely treatment, but the crucial thing is that they play a crucial role for many people in avoiding the accident and emergency derpartment.
"We know that will have a significant impact on overcrowding."
