Northern Ireland Hospital Waiting Times(Emergency Department Live Updates)
Check live Northern Ireland hospital waiting times and emergency department wait times. Updated every 1–5 minutes using official data.
All Northern Ireland Hospital Waiting Times & Emergency Department Data

Mater Hospital
A&EEmergency Department open 24 hours, 7 days per week

Royal Victoria Hospital
A&EEmergency Department open 24 hours, 7 days per week

Royal Children's Hospital
Paediatric A&EChildren's Emergency Department open 24 hours, 7 days per week

Antrim Area Hospital
A&EEmergency Department open 24 hours, 7 days per week

Causeway Hospital
A&EEmergency Department open 24 hours, 7 days per week

Daisy Hill Hospital
A&EEmergency Department open 24 hours, 7 days per week

Ulster Hospital
A&EEmergency Department open 24 hours, 7 days per week

Altnagelvin Hospital
A&EEmergency Department open 24 hours, 7 days per week

South West Acute Hospital
A&EEmergency Department open 24 hours, 7 days per week
Northern Ireland Hospital Waiting Times FAQs
What are the current emergency department wait times in Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland hospital waiting times and emergency department wait times are updated every 1-5 minutes using official data. You can check live wait times for hospitals including Mater Hospital Belfast on this page. The data shows real-time emergency department conditions across Northern Ireland.
What are the current hospital waiting times at Mater Hospital Belfast?
You can check the current Mater Hospital Belfast emergency department wait times by viewing the hospital card above. The Northern Ireland hospital waiting times are updated every 1-5 minutes using official Health & Social Care data.
What is the least busy day in A&E?
Generally, A&E departments and emergency departments in Northern Ireland tend to be least busy early on weekday mornings, particularly Tuesday to Thursday between 8am and 10am. However, hospital waiting times can vary unpredictably. Our live tracker provides real-time Northern Ireland emergency department data to help you choose the best time to visit.
Can I just turn up to A&E in Northern Ireland?
While you can turn up to A&E in Northern Ireland, it's recommended to call your local healthcare service first unless it's a life-threatening emergency. They can assess your condition and direct you to the most appropriate service, which might be A&E or could be an alternative service that can help you more quickly.
How long should you be waiting in A&E?
Waiting times vary significantly between hospitals. Some patients may be seen within minutes for serious conditions, while others with less urgent needs might wait longer. Our live tracker shows real-time wait times to help you make informed decisions.
What is the 4 hour A&E rule?
The 4-hour A&E rule is a standard that states 95% of patients attending A&E should be admitted, transferred, or discharged within 4 hours of arrival. This target helps ensure timely treatment and efficient patient flow through emergency departments. You can check current wait times using our live tracker above.
Which hospitals in Northern Ireland have emergency departments?
Northern Ireland has 9 major hospitals with emergency departments including Mater Hospital Belfast, Royal Victoria Hospital, Ulster Hospital, Antrim Area Hospital, Causeway Hospital Coleraine, Daisy Hill Hospital Newry, Altnagelvin Hospital Londonderry, South West Acute Hospital Enniskillen, and Royal Children's Hospital Belfast for paediatric emergencies.
How often are Northern Ireland hospital wait times updated?
Northern Ireland hospital waiting times and emergency department wait times are updated every 1-5 minutes using official Health & Social Care data. This ensures you have the most current information to make informed decisions about when to visit the emergency department.
What should I do if my child needs emergency care in Northern Ireland?
For children requiring emergency care, Royal Children's Hospital Belfast is Northern Ireland's only dedicated children's hospital, providing specialist paediatric emergency department services for children aged 0-18 years. For serious emergencies, call 999 or visit your nearest emergency department.