Antrim Area hospital diverts patients to Causeway

The ambulance service said the measure was initially put in place for between 10am and 2pm, however, it was then extended until 6pm on Sunday.

The move, however, did not affect the hospital’s emergency department.

The Trust confirmed no patients were affected by the diversion.

A spokeswoman added: “It’s not unusual and the measure is designed to keep patients flowing through hospitals.”

Strain on local hospitals has been in the spotlight recently and the Department of Health is conducting a review into the provision of emergency services across Northern Ireland.

The review was announced after a major incident was declared at the Royal Victoria Hospital’s accident and emergency department in January.