Fine Gael T.D. Neale Richmond expresses concern in the Dáil at capacity issues at Altnagelvin

Neale RIchmond, a Fine Gael representative for Dublin Rathdown, speaking in the Oireachtas on Tuesday, said the coronavirus situation in the north was 'much more worrying' than in the 26 counties.

"The end of a period of restrictions is, supposedly, approaching in Northern Ireland and most of us in this jurisdiction have been enjoying in the past week or so being back at level 3 restrictions.

"We hope to stay there or go down to level 2 or 1 in due course. It should be noted that the restrictions are still sterner and the impact of the virus is much more worrying in Northern Ireland.

"We see reports of capacity issues at a number of Northern Irish hospitals. Of particular concern is the situation at Altnagelvin Area Hospital, which services much of Donegal as well," he said.

Yesterday several hospitals in the north were operating at over capacity including Altnagelvin which was stretched by 1.92 per cent.

The South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen was operating at 9.70 per cent over capacity.

At Altnagelvin on Tuesday all eight of its ICU beds were occupied - three by COVID-19 patients and five by patients with other conditions.

Four patients in total were being ventilated - one with coronavirus and three with other ailments.

The capacity situation at Altnagelvin and all other hospitals in the north will be updated by the Department of Health this afternoon.