Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon has said the growing waiting times in emergency departments are unacceptable and called for the Executive to be restored immediately to help support the health service.
The party’s health spokesperson said: 
“Growing waiting times in emergency departments across the north are deeply concerning.
“Figures show all five health trusts are not meeting waiting time targets due to increasing demand and pressure on staff.
“A total of 866 people were waiting to be treated in EDs across the north this afternoon as winter pressures and the New Year period kick in, with 385 people waiting more than 12 hours in EDs to be seen by a doctor.
“The rapid decline in care packages delivered over the winter period is also impacting on waiting lists and families who are badly in need of support to help take care of their loved ones.
 
“Doctors, nurses and care workers are facing huge challenges due to lack of resources and understaffing. This needs to be urgently addressed.
“Our health care staff cannot deliver for their patients without the resources to do so. 
“We need the Executive restored now and parties working together to invest in the health service to address unacceptable waiting lists and help deal with unprecedented challenges.”