Pressures facing the health service are 'dire'

Addressing reporters, O'Neill said it was "dire" not just for patients waiting on a bed, but also for healthcare staff.

"We've work to do - one minister will not solve that, there needs to be a collective effort," she said.

"The public want to hear what we're going to do about it, we know what the challenges are and the issue of discharges into social care aren't there - that's what I want the executive to talk about."

Last week, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt announced flu vaccines, currently available for free to those aged 65 and over, would be extended to the 50-64 age group.

Nesbitt also said he plans to increase the wages for social care workers in a bid to "stabilise" the health system.

Previously, a consultant surgeon said that Northern Ireland's emergency departments have been in the midst of a "perfect storm" due to ongoing "immense pressure" and flu.

Prof Mark Taylor, from the Northern Ireland Confederation for Health and Social Care (NICON), said the lack of flow throughout hospitals was having serious consequences.

Prof Taylor also said that at 10:00 GMT on Saturday there were 532 people who were medically fit for discharge, across NI hospitals, but could not be discharged into the community.