An elderly woman has "died on a trolley" while waiting to be admitted into an Emergency Department in Belfast at the weekend.
The woman was brought to the Royal Victoria Hospital by ambulance on Friday night where attempts were made to resuscitate her, the BBC reports.
Over the weekend, the Belfast Trust released a statement to say it was facing "on going and relentless pressures".
Read more: Department of Health "deeply concerned" as NI hospitals face 'extreme' pressure
The Trust has sent its condolences to the woman's family.
In a statement, the trust said: "Belfast Trust would like to send our condolences to this patient’s family, our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
"We have reviewed this patient’s care and spoken to their family. Out of respect for the patient’s family, we will not make any further comment."
The South Eastern Health Trust said on Monday evening 164 patients are in the emergency department (ED) at the Ulster Hospital near Belfast, with 53 waiting to be admitted.
The news comes as Antrim Area Hospital Emergency Department was forced to close on Saturday after it had reached full capacity due to the number of patients that were needing to be admitted.
The Northern Health & Social Care Trust said the decision to close the ED was regrettable but it was the only safe response under the circumstances.
On Monday night, The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust issued an "urgent staff appeal" for nurses to work in critical areas.
Taking to social media, they said: "We are appealing for nursing staff (registered nurses and health care assistants) to help across critical areas tonight.
"If staff can assist in any way, please call via the Trust switchboard on 028 9048 4511 and ask for patient flow.
"Bank staff will have received a text message from the Bank Office and should book shifts through EOL in the normal way.
"Thank you once again for your continued support."
The DoH has called for the public to do what they can to help support Health and Social Care trusts as they face continued pressure.
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