To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what additional work pressures on staff his Department has considered in relation to patients treated on beds in hospital corridors.

My Department, and the Health and Social Care Board, expect HSC Trusts to ensure that any additional beds that are opened are adequately staffed and that care is provided in an appropriate clinical environment. It is, however, inevitable that during any prolonged period of escalated activity, some staff will be required to work additional hours due to the increased workload.