Members of the public are being warned to expect longer than normal wait times at hospitals across the country.

The Health Ministry says this is a result of the increasing number of patients requiring care at Accident and Emergency departments.

It says it is working to ensure that the triage system is optimized, and that additional customer care personnel are deployed in A&E waiting areas, to address the concerns of patients and provide the necessary updates.

Members of the public are being urged to exercise patience during this time.