Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín said the decision to close the Mater A&E on Sunday was most alarming.
Ambulances with emergency patients were diverted away from the Mater Hospital and staff fear it is part of a wider plan to downgrade the accident and emergency unit.
“This hospital is vital for both the health of the community and the large number of local people employed there,” said the North Belfast MLA.
"This decision to close the Mater A&E was made at a very senior level and is most alarming. It's my understanding that staff have provided a first class service in the past with double this amount of trolley waits and there was no operational rationale for this move," she said.
"Since becoming the Health Minister Michael McGimpsey seems to have favoured the City Hospital A&E which is in his local constituency. We will fight tooth and nail not just to save Mater Hospital facilities but to extend and further develop them.
"The Mater is our biggest employer and vital to the health of surrounding deprived communities. My heart goes out to the professional and dedicated Mater staff who must feel demoralized at present. The whole North Belfast community is behind you in the fight ahead."
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