Talks on future of Belfast City Hospital A&E department

Image caption, The consultation on the future of Belfast City Hospital's A&E department will last for 12 weeks

The Department of Health is to hold a public consultation into the potential closure of the accident and emergency department at Belfast City Hospital.

The consultation starts on Tuesday and will last for 12 weeks.

Health Minister Edwin Poots said the problems which prompted the temporary closure in 2011 still remain an issue.

These include too few middle grade doctors and the training and supervision of junior medical staff, especially at night time.