Hi °C | Lo °C Eighteen people were last night waiting to be admitted to wards at Antrim Area Hospital, it has emerged.
The news comes as the Northern Trust responded to harsh criticism after a 90-year-old woman had to wait on a trolley in a corridor for almost a day.
SDLP Deputy Leader Patsy McGlone called for immediate action.
“A number of constituents have said relatives have been forced to spend time on trolleys after being admitted to wards from A&E.
“In one case, an elderly woman of 90 years of age, who suffers from dementia, had to spend 22 hours on a trolley in Antrim.”
A spokesman for the Trust said the situation — exacerbated by high levels of emergency activity — would be resolved without delay.
“We apologise to anyone who has had to wait for a bed at Antrim,” he said. “We have increased staffing levels and wish to give reassurance that patients waiting for beds are receiving good clinical care.”
He added: “We would appeal again to members of the public not to attend the emergency department unless really necessary.”
