Staff at Belfast Trust have released a video pleading with patients and their families for their co-operation when being discharged home or into a community care setting.
In the video, a senior social worker says that there are too many people in our hospitals who no longer need to be there.
The Belfast Trust is asking patients and their families to ensure they leave hospital within 48 hours of being declared medically fit to do so by a doctor.
"We know that this may require moving to the first available space at a care home whilst they await a complete care package to enable a move home or while they await a place in their preferred care home.
"We would assure all patients in this situation that if their first choice place is not available there will be no financial cost to them for this interim arrangement and it will not impact their place on any waiting list for their longer-term care."
A prolonged stay in hospital carries risk. Some patients may develop a hospital-acquired infection and can risk losing their mobility and independence all of which will significantly impact their long-term recovery.
Belfast Trust said: "We would like to thank patients and their families for working with us and their co-operation at this difficult time. We also wish to thank our staff who continue to go above and beyond to deliver the highest possible level of care in extraordinarily challenging circumstances."
It came as:
- A emergency department nurse said he would be concerned for any of his loved ones if they had to seek treatment in an emergency department
- Suggestion hotels could be used to house discharged patients as a short-term measure to tackle the pressure on the health and social care system
- The Republic's health minister warned the situation is likely to worsen in the coming weeks
- British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said patients were not getting the "care they deserve" as he warned that "something has to change"
In a statement yesterday the Department of Health said the support of the public was vital as health services "experience unprecedented pressures".
"Please play your part to help keep services running this winter by choosing the service that is most appropriate for your symptoms.
"By doing so, you will be on your way to getting better quicker, and at the same time easing pressure on staff.
"Emergency departments offer specialist care to those who are seriously ill or injured and to those whose life is at risk. In an emergency always dial 999."
