WATCH: Staff at Ulster Hospital "stretched to the limit" following COVID-19 outbreak

By Q Radio News

A trade union representative says staff at the Ulster Hospital are "stretched to the limit" due to COVID-19 pressures. 

It was confirmed yesterday, two patients and seven members of staff on a medical ward, ward 16, there have tested positive for Coronavirus. 

9 other patients are also self-isolating, and the ward has been closed to new admissions and visitors.

James Large, joint Regional Convenor for UNISON, says staffing remains a serious issue at the site: 

"Our members across health and social care are stretched and stressed. The current situation of the pandemic will do nothing to help that."

"Staffing is an issue and staffing was an issue back in last year when UNISON was having industrial action which lasted three months on that very issue."

"The current outbreak in the Ulster Hospital where I represent members will do nothing to help staff morale whatsoever."

"We need to remember these staff are members of the local community so are living this pressure 24/7."

"With the increase in admissions and services also been rebuilt that was stood down in the first wave, our message needs to be clear - everyone has a part to play in reducing community transmission and hospital admissions and pressure on our health system that was really in a bad place before the pandemic.