Inspectors from the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) in Northern Ireland also flagged concerns about overcrowding and patient safety at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

The inspectors said: ‘Staff expressed concerns about the high number of newly qualified staff and the significant responsibility given to them as a consequence of crowding.’

Some staff reported increased incidents of violence and aggression and ‘feeling unsafe at times’.

The RQIA issued a quality improvement plan to the trust including full cleaning schedules, monthly cleaning audits, and reviewing roles and responsibilities of nursing staff in light of overcrowding.