Pressures facing the health service are ‘dire’

Addressing reporters, O’Neill said it was “dire” not just for patients waiting on a bed, but also for healthcare staff.

“We’ve work to do – one minister will not solve that, there needs to be a collective effort,” she said.

“The public want to hear what we’re going to do about it, we know what the challenges are and the issue of discharges into social care aren’t there – that’s what I want the executive to talk about.”

Last week, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt announced flu vaccines, currently available for free to those aged 65 and over, would be extended to the 50-64 age group.

Nesbitt also said he plans to increase the wages for social care workers in a bid to “stabilise” the health system.