Patients with a life-threatening condition are treated first and waiting times can change quickly
Stock image of Emergency Department at Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast(Image: Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)
There are currently average waits of 8 hours to be seen in some emergency departments across Northern Ireland this Tuesday morning.
Health officials have warned that an early outbreak of flu is driving delays in both emergency departments and the ambulance service. Over the space of two weeks, flu cases tripled in Northern Ireland, and hospitalisation rates are rising.
According to the most recent official figures from the Public Health Agency published on December 10, total positive cases jumped from 988 the week before to 1,227. There have also been 346 flu-related hospital admissions, up from 264 the week before.
READ MORE: Have your say on wearing face masks to prevent flu spread in Northern Ireland
Hospital emergency departments treat and care for people with a serious injury or life-threatening condition. When you go for treatment, staff will assess your medical condition.
Patients with a serious injury or life-threatening condition are treated first, and waiting times can change quickly.
Average A&E waiting times in Northern Ireland, December 16
Last updated: 9.45 am, Tuesday 16 December 2025.
To see the most up-to-date average waiting times at emergency departments, click here.
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