A Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Trust have made an appeal to the public to avoid coming into their emergency department unless it is a medical emergency.
The Western Health and Social Care Trust took to social media to alert patients of long waiting times at the Emergency Department of the Altnagelvin Hospital.
Emergency Medicine Consultant, Sandy Nelson warned that the hospital's Emergency Department was currently in "dire straits" with 110 patients in the department and 45 waiting for a hospital bed.
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In an appeal to the public, he said: "I've got four ambulances awaiting offload, which means they can't get out into the community to come and see the emergencies.
"There are patients everywhere and we are struggling. If you can do anything to help us it would be greatly appreciated, be that to pick up your relatives that are due discharged as early as possible or saving the Emergency Department for absolute emergencies.
"We are really in dire straits and I'm asking for your help at this time, thanks very much."
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