A health trust in Northern Ireland issued a statement on Monday afternoon after a large number of patients in A&E are waiting on beds.
The Northern Trust operates eight hospitals in Northern Ireland with two of these - Antrim Area Hospital and Causeway Hospital - having emergency departments.
In a statement published on social media on June 13, the Northern Trust said there are "over 70 very sick people" waiting in their emergency departments for admission into wards.
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The statement continued: "We are appealing for the full co-operation of patients, families and carers in supporting discharge and helping us to free up much needed beds. Thank you."
Earlier on Monday afternoon, the Trust said emergency departments at both Antrim Area and Causeway hospitals are at full capacity.
The Northern Trust warned that patients with conditions that are "not serious" will face a long wait.
A spokesperson added: "If you attend with a condition that is not serious, you will face a long wait. Please understand that staff are working extremely hard in difficult circumstances. Thank you for your patience."
Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster, the Trust's Medical Director, Dr Seamus O'Reilly, said the situation is "unusual" for this time of year.
He said: "I'm 35 years in healthcare and I've never seen a June to be as bad as I see it now. It would almost remind you of what we would be seeing after Christmas and in the winter period, so this is highly unusual."
It's understood that most patients waiting for admission into wards are frail and elderly, with some awaiting surgery.
Senior staff at the Northern Trust are meeting to draw up an action plan to deal with the issue.
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