Pressure across all hospital sites

Today we have issued the following media statement regarding the unprecedented pressures we are working under across our hospital sites.

“We are currently operating under significant levels of pressure across all of our sites and as such, we are appealing to our communities to think very carefully, and make the correct decisions, when it comes to accessing the correct care for their needs. Emergency departments are for life threatening conditions or a serious illness or injury and should not be accessed for any other purpose. We are dealing with a large influx of seriously unwell and injured patients and they need to be cared for as a priority – anyone else will experience a very long wait if it is not an emergency.

“Nearly 40% of our beds are occupied by patients who are fit to leave our hospitals. We know that these patients recover best at home, or in another care setting, where the risks of deconditioning and contracting infection are far less. We therefore are asking anyone who has a family member who has been seen by the medical team, and been deemed fit for discharge, to collect them as soon as possible. This includes families supporting bridging packages of care for patients who have a confirmed start date for their care. This will play a major role in us being able to provide beds and care for the sickest of patients.

“The numbers of people with flu and COVID-19 and requiring hospital care are increasing and putting extra pressure on our services. We urge eligible members of the public to ensure that they are up to date with their vaccinations to help us further.

“Accessing the right care in the right place is critical. If someone is unwell, the first port of call should be the NHS Wales 111 online Symptom Checker. Our Minor Injuries Units, local opticians and dentists are available as well as community pharmacies, which can provide prescriptions for antibiotics and advice on a large range of medical conditions. Every change the public can make will help us though this current period of unprecedented pressure.”

03/01/2023