Staff at Altnalgevlin Hospital in Derry continue to face abuse and harassment over visiting restrictions despite pleas for the behaviour to stop.
The Western Trust will continue with visiting to hospital sites allowing for one visit, for one hour per day per patient.
And there are warnings of a growing tide of abuse as visitors take out frustrations on those who work for the health service.
Read more: Mammy Banter's Serena Terry talks new book, mental health and the future
The health body released a video online in another message for the abuse to end, showing just how unacceptable it is.
In a video posted on social media, Ann-Marie McIlmoyle said: “We are dealing with the demands of a busy ward, and the challenges that Covid-19 bring to Altnagelvin.
"Recently we have experienced an increase in verbal abuse towards myself and staff on the ward.
"Current Covid-19 restrictions are in place to protect the safety of our patients and our staff.
"We realise the restrictions are hard on families and especially patients, but we ask for your continued support and understanding to respect us as staff and please ensure that you all care for us, as we care for you all and your loved ones.”
The hospital said it had come under 'extreme pressure' on Wednesday evening, recording close to 80 patients in the emergency department and around 30 awaiting admission yesterday evening.
The spokesperson added: "Covid-19 transmission rates remain very high in the community and the Western Trust continues to deal with challenges and pressures on our Hospitals.
"Staff absences due to Covid-19 and another sickness together with a sustained number of Covid-19 patients and Covid-19 outbreaks in our hospitals must continue to be managed.
"All temporary visiting restrictions will be reviewed again on Monday 7 March 2022 and an update will follow then as the Trust plan to implement a phased return to full visiting arrangements across all health care facilities in the months ahead."
Read more: NI woman raises over £11,000 for Alzheimer's Society in memory of her mum
Read more: Derry road branded a 'death trap' after garden wall collision.
Sign up to our FREE newsletter here for all the latest news in Derry straight to your inbox.
