Ambulances are queuing outside packed emergency departments in Northern Ireland as hospitals struggle to cope with the influx of patients.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has insisted that everything that can be done to cope with the severe pressure on hospitals is being done, as ambulances queue up outside packed A&Es across Northern Ireland . The Department of Health, in a statement on Sunday afternoon, said the health and social care system 'continues to experience severe pressure on services'.
A Stormont spokesperson said priority will be given to 'immediately life-threatening' cases as medics struggle to cope with the influx of patients. Mr Nesbitt pointed to flu and the need for 'longer term solutions' including both wider reform of the health service and an increase in funding. Last night, patients waited up to nine hours on an ambulance as crews were forced to queue outside Emergency Departments to hand over patients. In a statement today, a spokesperson for the Stormont health department said: 'The health and social care system continues to experience severe pressure on services. The system is working extremely hard to care for patients. Priority will always be given to cases that are immediately life-threatening. We all owe a great debt of gratitude to staff. 'The Department, on behalf of the health and social care system, apologises to all patients who are waiting longer than they should and thanks patients and families for their continuing co-operation. 'We would appeal to the public to please be patient with staff and to do all they can to support them. Every one of us can help the health service get through this winter, including by using services appropriately, getting your vaccines if eligible, cooperating with hospital discharge processes and doing all we can to stay wel
HEALTHCARE HOSPITALS AMBULANCES PATIENT CARE NORTHERN IRELAND
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Facing Severe DelaysPatients in Northern Ireland are facing lengthy waits for ambulances due to overcrowding at emergency departments.
Read more »
Ambulance Standoff: Over 40 Queued Outside Northern Ireland HospitalsNorthern Ireland's hospitals are facing a severe crisis with over 40 ambulances waiting outside emergency departments. Causeway Hospital in Coleraine had at least seven ambulances waiting to offload patients, while the Western Trust reported 70 people awaiting beds across its area. The situation is attributed to staff shortages and a high number of patients seeking treatment for minor injuries.
Read more »
World Cup 2026 qualifying draw: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland discover opponentsThomas Tuchel's first games in charge of England have been revealed, while Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have tricky 2026 World Cup qualifying tests.
Read more »
Northern Ireland Coach Ben Heron Hosts Ireland's Biggest Men's Development EventBen Heron, a Northern Ireland based fitness coach, is hosting 'New Year, New Man', a major event aimed at helping men achieve their physical and personal best. The event, taking place on January 5th at Windsor Park, encourages men to connect, learn and grow together.
Read more »
2026 World Cup qualifying draw: England handed tricky draw in Group KEngland, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland discovered their fate.
Read more »
‘Dreadful’ waits for patients in ambulances outside hospitalsThere was one day where 127 ambulances were all stuck waiting at hospitals at the same time
Read more »