THE number of patients kept waiting more than 12 hours in emergency departments in Northern Ireland tripled over the holiday period.
Figures released yesterday reveal there were 2,435 breaches in the number of people who waited more than 12 hours to be seen, treated and either discharged or admitted.
The previous year there were 723 breaches.
The statistics, which cover a 15-day period from December 20, were released yesterday by the Health and Social Care Board, which said that hospitals "faced significant pressures over the holiday period".
It also comes at a time when the health system in the north remains under major pressure with another strike by health workers set to take place today over pay and staffing levels.
Other figures released by the board reveal that of the 1,714 additional 12-hour breaches during the latest period, 1,052 patients were aged 65 or over.
It also said compared to five years ago (2014/15) - the overall attendances at emergency departments are up by nine per cent and for those aged 65 and over, there was a 22 per cent increase.
It also revealed that across the region, for the 15-day period, the average waiting time for those to be seen, treated but not admitted was three hours and 30 minutes.
The average waiting time to be admitted to a hospital bed was 11 hours and 45 minutes.
A spokesperson for the health and social care board said the figures reveal that services "continue to be under sustained pressure over the holiday period".
"We would pay tribute to our staff who are working tirelessly to ensure that patients receive the care that they need," he said.
"Health service organisations have repeatedly made it clear that the 2019/20 winter period would again bring serious challenges.
"Despite the plans in place, some patients have had to wait for unacceptably long periods in emergency departments - for that we sincerely apologise.
"The challenges are in part due to an increase in older, sicker patients attending emergency departments.
"These patients will often require longer in-patient stays and then more complex social care packages when they are ready to leave hospital.
"The well-documented workforce shortages, as well as the impact of flu and the norovirus have also compounded the pressures.
"All HSC organisations will continue to work closely to ensure that the most urgent and sickest patients are prioritised."
Meanwhile, health unions yesterday met secretary of state Julian Smith ahead of another planned day of strikes.
Members of the Royal College of Nurses and Unison will be involved in more strike action today as the deadlock over staffing and pay continues.
Around 9,000 nurses across the north were involved in a 12-hour strike on Wednesday, which led to the cancellation of more than 2,000 appointments and procedures.
