Around 20 protests outside hospitals across the island of Ireland will take place on Saturday.

'Each protest will start with a minute's silence for the hundreds of people who are dying each year due to A&E overcrowding'

The local TD says it is a systemic failure in the in our health services that has caused our hospital crisis.

Sinn Féin TD, Matt Carthy 'welcomed' the expansion of opening hours at Monaghan Hospital's Minor Injuries Unit.

'There will be increased efficiency in directing patients to the most appropriate care pathway for their specific needs'

Ian Carter, the CEO of the RCSI Hospital Group, has been called on to give his support to an increase in opening hours.

The HSE says it wants patients going to the right place for the right treatment.

'Where an appointment or procedure has been deferred, the patient has been contacted'