A Welsh health board has warned that some patients will face an extended wait at A&E, due to the department being “exceptionally busy” across all of their hospitals. Cwm Taf Morgannwg are asking people to consider other NHS services other than the emergency department, stating that the Royal Glamorgan, Prince Charles and Princess of Wales hospitals are exceptionally busy today (Monday, December 16).
They say that the hospitals are seeing “very unwell patients who need urgent care, as well as lots of people with problems that other NHS services can help.” Health board bosses say that the most seriously injured and ill patients are being prioritised at these hospitals.
As a result, they say that patients with a less serious condition will “likely face an extended wait”. Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news. You will receive updates from us daily.
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In a social media post, the health board has suggested that people who need medical assistance consider alternative services in a bid to help ease pressure on the A&E departments.
They say that services such as Minor Injuries Unit, GPs, pharmacies, and other specialists can help in many instances, advice about these can be found here. They ask that people unsure about what treatment to take should use the NHS 111 Wales symptom checker for advice on where to go for non-urgent problems. That can be found here.
As part of their warning, the health board said: “Choosing a different service means that you are helping take the pressure off our busy staff, and that you will get seen quicker by a healthcare professional who is experienced in helping with your problem.” However, they added that anyone with any stroke symptoms, have severe blood loss or have suffered a major trauma, should ring 999 or visit an ED straight away.