Latest figures for the number of people waiting on hospital trolleys in Northern Ireland show that more than 60 people are waiting for beds.

Figures for the last few days show the situation has been getting steadily worse with the number hitting 61 on Thursday.

The number of people waiting in hospital accident and emergency departments for a bed to become available is counted twice a day.

Usually, the total figure for all the hospitals in the Eastern and Northern Boards is in the 20s and 30s.

However, it is not unusual for it to hit the 40s or 50s.

A total of 61 people waiting for beds is relatively rare but the figure has remained the same into Friday morning.

The figures are a clear symptom of the trouble the health service is in, trying to cope with the pressure it is under.