Patients have been advised to use the ‘phone first’ service if their issue is not life-threatening
The Northern Trust has issued a warning that the Emergency Department at Antrim Area Hospital is under “extreme pressure” today and have urged patients to use the “phone first” service if their issue is not life threatening.
As of 4pm, the average waiting time at the hospital’s ED was 3 hours and 20 minutes. However, this is less than the average waiting time at Altnagelvin Area Hospital which is currently just under five hours and the Ulster Hospital where patients are currently waiting on average four hours.
Posting on social media, the Northern Trust said that patients whose conditions are not life-threatening can expect long waits.
“Our Emergency Department at Antrim Area Hospital is under extreme pressure today, with long waits for those whose conditions are not life-threatening.
“Staff are working hard to triage patients and prioritise those needing urgent care.
“Please use our Phone First service if you are considering attending ED with an urgent injury or illness which is not immediately life-threatening.
“Phone First is available Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, by ringing 0300 123 1 123. In an emergency, always call 999.”
As of 4pm, the average waiting times at Northern Ireland’s other Emergency Departments were as follows: Mater Hospital – 129 minutes, Royal Victoria Hospital – 144 minutes, Royal Children’s Hospital – 28 minutes, Causeway Area Hospital – 76 minutes, Craigavon Area Hospital – 128 minutes, Daisy Hill Hospital – 66 minutes and South West Acute Hospital – 195 minutes.
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