The Western Trust has put out an urgent appeal for family and carers to help support timely discharges as the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) and Altnagelvin remain under significant pressure.

On their social media pages the Trust made the appeal to help free up beds as the Emergency Departments at both hospitals are extremely busy today, Monday, February 21.

There were 46 people in SWAH Emergency Department while there were a further 11 people awaiting admission. 

In Altnagelvin it was 101 in the department with 29 awaiting admission.

The Trust said if the situation is life-threatening, a medical or mental health emergency, call 999 immediately or proceed straight to your nearest Emergency Department.

"For all other urgent medical matters, Phone First on 0300 020 6000.

"We urge the public to explore other healthcare providers at this time if your condition is non-urgent such as GP, GP Out of Hours and Community Pharmacy," the post said.