Sligo and other hospitals across the country are attempting to discharge as many patients as possible by the end of this week - as they gear up for another spike in overcrowding after Christmas.
Elective procedures have been cancelled at some hospitals in an effort to control the numbers arriving in January.
Sligo has been ranked as one of the most overcrowded in the country this year according to the INMO.
Earlier this week management at Sligo University Hospital also confirmed that the facility was under strain due to 5 Covid outbreaks and increased numbers attending the Emergency Department.
Chief Clinical Officer with the HSE, Dr Colm Henry, says trying to move people out of hospital before Christmas is a standard practice: