Published Thursday, 26 January 2012
Just over 73% of those attending emergency care units in December were treated or discharged within the recommended four-hour window - down from 76.5% in October.
The current Ministerial target for waiting times means that 95% of patients should be dealt with during the four-hour window and that no one should have to wait more than 12 hours to be seen.
In December, 995 people did have to wait more than 12 hours, representing an increase from October of just under 20%.
Emergency departments in Northern Ireland fall into three categories, with the above figures relating to Type 1 departments (a consultant-led service, providing both emergency medicine and emergency surgical services on a round-the-clock basis).
In Type 2 departments (a consultant-led service, but which does not provide both emergency medicine and emergency surgical services and/or has time-limited opening hours), the percentage of patients being seen with the four-hour period has also fallen - albeit slightly, from 91.8% to 91.5%.
In Type 3 departments (a minor injury unit which may be doctor or nurse-led, treats at least minor injuries and/or illnesses and can be routinely accessed without appointment), the percentage of patients being seen with the four-hour period remains at 100%.
There were a total of 52,749 attendances at emergency departments in December 2011, compared with 52,856 in November 2011 and 57,080 in October 2011.