The vice-chair of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine has described the situation in Northern Ireland’s emergency departments (EDs) as “the worst it has ever been.”
Michael Perry warned that staff were deeply concerned about the next fortnight, as patient numbers continue to exceed capacity.
Figures from New Year’s Eve revealed that over half of the 892 individuals attending EDs endured waits exceeding 12 hours.
Dr Clodagh Corrigan, deputy chair of the British Medical Association in Northern Ireland, echoed the concerns, stating that winter pressures had left healthcare workers anxious about the weeks to come.
“There’s no flexibility in our emergency departments at the moment,” Dr Perry told BBC News NI, adding that staff were already witnessing “worst-case scenarios.”
He attributed the crisis to a lack of patient flow, with many unable to be discharged from wards due to ongoing social care challenges.
“This situation feels as bad as it has ever been,” he remarked, highlighting how stretched resources have become a long-term issue for EDs.
Health Minister Calls for Action
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt described the current state of EDs as “not in a good position” to cope with rising winter pressures, particularly with flu cases expected to peak in the next fortnight.
Speaking on Good Morning Ulster, Nesbitt expressed concerns about the lack of privacy afforded to patients due to overwhelming demand.
Nearly 400 patients were reported waiting for hospital beds last week, with flu and respiratory infections driving up admissions.
While the department’s Winter Preparedness Plan, introduced in November, has helped mitigate some issues, Nesbitt stressed that ED pressures are merely a symptom of broader systemic challenges.
“The real issue lies in hospital flow—ensuring patients move through the system efficiently from admission to discharge,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Nesbitt pledged to work with stakeholders to develop a comprehensive plan by late February or early March, aimed at preventing a repeat of this winter’s crisis in 2025-26.
A System in Crisis
Northern Ireland’s healthcare system faces a perfect storm of seasonal illness, high patient volumes, and insufficient social care capacity, leaving emergency departments on the brink.
As flu cases climb, the strain on staff and services shows no sign of easing, sparking calls for urgent reform and long-term solutions.
