Altnagelvin Hospital's Emergency Department recorded 111 patients waiting for treatment on Wednesday morning.

A further 74 patients required admission to the hospital.

The Western Health and Social Care Trust urged people with non-emergency conditions to use alternative services.

Patients were advised to contact their GP, visit a community pharmacy, or call Phone First on 0300 020 6000 between 8am and midnight.

The Trust stated that high patient numbers create space challenges and asked people to attend alone where possible.

Those with medical or mental health emergencies were told to call 999 or go directly to the nearest Emergency Department.