Reports of drug dealing at Belfast ED have increased in the past year

Social Democratic and Labour Party councillor Paul Doherty said anti-social behaviour had always been an issue at the RVH site, but it had “never been as bad”.

“This is the last thing people need. They’re coming in, either seriously ill or ill with their loved ones or family, and they’re walking straight in to this very dangerous activity here on this Royal site,” he told BBC News NI.

“I have heard from people who have challenged this.

“They’re bringing in elderly and vulnerable, and unwell family members and walking in to activity where people are either using drugs or dealing drugs and challenging that, saying, ‘Are you aware of where you are and people are going through a very difficult time here?’

“It’s about awareness; it’s about reporting, and I know that many of the Royal staff here have been reporting on an ongoing basis.”

In May, the Belfast Health Trust told the BBC it was working closely with the police and local community representatives to address the issue.