The Ulster Hospital has warned that its A&E department is "under extreme pressure" tonight with more than 150 people waiting to be seen.
It has warned that those who attend the department who do not have "life threatening injuries" will not be seen for a very long time.
The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust said in a statement: "The Ulster Hospital is under extreme pressure.
"There are over 150 patients waiting in our Emergency Department, including 50 patients on trolleys.
"If your condition is not life threatening you will have to wait a very long time.
"Other services are there to help: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/.../how-use-your-health-services."
It comes as the Trust has also confirmed that two wards at the Ulster Hospital have been forced to close over the past two weeks due to Covid outbreaks among patients and staff.
A total of 96 patients have tested positive for the virus when being admitted to the hospital in the past month, while 16 have tested positive during their stay.
The Trust has said it is their policy to admit Covid-positive patients to side rooms or bays, which are designated for patients with the virus.
It has also said non-covid patients have been admitted to these wards due to their clinical condition, such as if they require respiratory treatments, but are segregated.
A Trust spokesperson said: “Two wards have been closed in the Ulster Hospital due to COVID-19.
“It is the Trust’s policy to test patients for COVID-19 on admission to hospital and on day 5-7 during their stay or if they develop COVID symptoms.
“Over the past month, 96 patients have tested positive on admission to the Ulster Hospital. 16 other patients have tested positive during their stay.
“Positive patients are admitted to side rooms/bays which are designated for Covid patients. There are a number of designated wards for positive patients. On occasion, non-Covid patients are admitted to these wards due to their clinical condition and requirement for specialist treatment (such as Respiratory) however, they are segregated.
“All patients are risk assessed on admission and prior to placement and are kept under review during their stay. This includes regular testing, as per the PHA guidance.
“Infection prevention and control measures are in place in every ward.”
