Patients and their families at HA Grove Hospital in Belfast (eMakhazeni) allege they were left without assistance this morning after an urgent meeting called by hospital management drew medical staff away from their duties.

According to the complainants, patients in the casualty department waited for extended periods, while those in the wards were left without care. Families described the situation as distressing, particularly for seriously ill and vulnerable patients.

A member of one patient’s family (who wants to stay anonymous) said there were no doctors, nurses or even administrative personnel available. He claimed patients appeared to be unattended throughout the facility.

Department of Health spokesperson Christopher Nobela responded to enquiries shortly afterwards, stating that only doctors, not the entire hospital staff, attended the meeting that the hospital’s CEO convened, but that they have since returned to their duties.

However, complainants insist that all staff attended the meeting and that patients were left unattended.