Derry's Altnagelvin Hospital Emergency Department under extreme pressure

The Emergency Department (ED) Altnagelvin Hospital is under extreme pressure and continues to treat high numbers of people.

142 people are currently waiting in the ED with 56 awaiting admission.

The ED has had 122 attendances since midnight, with 223 attendances in the past 24 hours.

A spokesperson for the Western Trust said: "If you have a medical or mental health emergency, then you should always call 999 or proceed immediately to your nearest Emergency Department.

"Following your arrival at ED, you will be triaged and categorised according to the seriousness and acuity of your condition. If you are triaged in a less urgent category, then you will face a long wait as we will always tend to the most serious cases first.

"The volume of patients in our Emergency Departments makes it very challenging for space. Many patients are having lengthy waits on chairs and on trolleys in corridors.

"If you need medical help but it is not an emergency, then we ask that you consider your Community Pharmacy, your own GP, Phone First or our Urgent Care and Treatment Centre first.

"If your condition is urgent rather than an emergency, we encourage you to seek the assistance of your local GP, or call the Phone First service from 8am – midnight where experienced medical professionals will be able to advise you on the best route and location for treatment. The Phone First number is 0300 020 6000."