Emergency departments 'extremely busy' amid challenging winter
Emergency departments at hospitals across Northern Ireland continue to be extremely busy in the midst of a challenging winter, the Health and Social Care Board has said.
The services are under pressure dealing with increasing numbers of children, older and sicker people with complex conditions being admitted.
A statement issued on Wednesday urged the public that if they do not need emergency care, not to attend A&E.
The pressures at the hospitals comes as further strikes are planned next week as healthcare workers protest over under-staffing and pay parity with England and Wales.
“We would pay tribute to our staff who are working tirelessly to ensure that patients receive the care that they need,” a HSC spokesperson said.
“However, as predicted, the pressures on services have led to some patients waiting longer than is acceptable.
“We would therefore ask the public to assist us in using services appropriately. Our clear message is if you are seriously ill or injured, then the Emergency Department is the place to go.
“If you are not assessed as urgent you may have to wait for a lengthy period.”
“If you do not need emergency care, we would urge you to please choose alternative services. These include using the online A-Z symptom search, seeking advice from your local pharmacist, contacting your GP, or the GP Out of Hours services (if your medical condition can’t wait until your GP surgery reopens).”
“The public can access waiting time information at all EDs and Minor Injury Units across the region by logging onto the NI Direct webpage which is updated hourly.”