A Welsh health board has warned that emergency departments (A&E) at its hospitals are under pressure and advised people on other services they can use if they feel unwell. Hywel Dda University Health Board has said that a number of flu cases in outpatient wards, particularly in Withybush Hospital is also adding to the pressure.
They said that these cases are being managed by infection prevention and control but there are some reports of staff being off work with flu-like symptoms. As a result the health board is encouraging people to get their flu job and ease pressure on A&E by considering whether it is an appropriate first point of call for all illnesses.
They said: “Our emergency departments are still under pressure, mainly because there is a high number of patients who need to stay with us in hospital for treatment or observations.
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“This is compounded further by there being a number of flu cases in out inpatient wards, particularly at Withybush Hospital, which requires us to carefully manage infection prevention and control.
“There are a small number of Norovirus cases but flu is more significant in our hospitals at this moment. There are reports of some staff being off work with flu or flu like symptoms, but this is commonplace for this time of year.
“People can support the health service, our communities and themselves by getting their flu vaccinations if eligible. Mass Vaccination Centres will be open at Llanelli, Aberaeron and Neyland on December 23, 24 and 27 for both staff and eligible members of the public who want to drop-in for their vaccination.
“We are advising patients, if you are feeling unwell and unsure what to do, the NHS 111 Wales website should be your first point of call: https://111.wales.nhs.uk/ For urgent mental health support please call 111 and select option 2. For advice and support from a mental health professional 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”
People are being asked to only attend an emergency department if they have a life-threatening illness or serious injury. The health board suggests these could be severe breathing difficulties, severe pain or bleeding, chest pain or a suspected stroke or serious trauma injuries (eg. from a car crash).
Anyone with a less serious injury should visit a Minor Injury Unit. Details on these can be found here and details of community pharmacies which can provide walk-in common ailment or triage and treat services without an appointment can be found here. Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news. You will receive updates from us daily.
The health board said that if anyone who has a relative or loved one in hospital who is well enough to go home, but is waiting to be discharged with homecare and community health support, could get them home quicker if they are able to provide support at home. They have asked the public to see information about the hospital discharge process and guidance here.