Average Emergency Department waiting times of more than 18 hours at Craigavon Area Hospital has been branded “totally unacceptable”, as fresh figures revealed extreme pressure on the local health service.
On Wednesday morning, patients at Craigavon faced average waits of almost 19 hours to be seen in the Emergency Department, prompting an apology from senior Southern Trust officials.
In response, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart said the situation was “deeply alarming” and warned that the system is already at breaking point before the winter peak has even arrived.
“We are not even at the winter peak yet,” she said. “This situation is unsustainable for both patients and staff.”
The DUP MP confirmed that she has requested an urgent meeting with the Chief Executive of the Southern Trust to discuss what immediate action can be taken to address the crisis.
“This is not a reflection on the dedication of frontline staff, who continue to do their very best under severe pressure,” she said. “The issue is a lack of capacity, investment and system-wide reform, and it cannot be allowed to continue.”
A senior Southern Trust official, Dr Gareth Hampton, Divisional Medical Director, apologised to patients affected by the lengthy delays, saying staff are under intense pressure trying to balance critically ill patients with those who have been waiting the longest.
“We really are sorry for the patients who wait that long, but the staff have a really difficult job,” he told BBC Radio Ulster’s Evening Extra programme.
Dr Hampton explained that long waits are being driven by the lack of available beds within hospital wards, meaning patients cannot be moved out of Emergency Departments.
“Over the last three years we’ve seen serious pressure on our emergency departments,” he said.
“Whenever we get to the winter time, increased respiratory issues such as Covid and flu just put that extra bit of pressure. We really struggle to cope with peaks of demand.”
The latest figures follow reports earlier this week of more than 40 ambulances waiting to be released outside hospitals across Northern Ireland, with the longest wait exceeding 13 hours.
In October, a target to cut maximum ambulance handover delays from four hours to two by 1 December was announced as part of winter pressure planning.
Public health officials have also confirmed a sharp rise in flu cases.
The Public Health Agency said there has been a large increase in infections in the past fortnight, with the highest rates among children aged 0–4. Around 900 new cases were recorded last week — double the previous week — with approximately 250 people hospitalised as a result.
According to the BBC, 30 adults are currently in hospital with flu at Craigavon Area Hospital alone.
Ms Lockhart urged the public to make use of alternative services where appropriate to help ease pressure on Emergency Departments.
She highlighted the Southern Trust Phone First service on 0300 123 3 111, which is available for urgent, non-emergency care. Callers are assessed by a clinician and advised whether they should attend ED, visit a Minor Injuries Unit, see their GP or pharmacist, or manage their condition at home.
“Using Phone First helps ensure that the sickest patients are prioritised and that people avoid long waits when alternative care is more appropriate,” she said.
Reiterating her concerns, the MP added: “Craigavon Area Hospital serves a huge portion of our community. It must be properly supported to do so safely and effectively. I will continue to press for the improvements and investment required.”
