Only most urgent care to go ahead as 'critical incident' declared at Betsi Cadwalladr health board

Swansea Bay University Health Board has also reported 'extreme pressure'

People are being asked to only attend A&E if their condition is life threatening
Author: Lauren JonesPublished 3rd Jan 2023

Only the most urgent operations and appointments will go ahead at one Welsh health board after it declared a "critical incident".

Health bosses at Betsi Cadwalladr University Health Board say they've seen an 'unprecedented' number of people needing emergency care which has led to a shortage of beds and long waiting times.

It's seeing high numbers of people with flu, covid and other respiratory viruses.

Other Welsh health boards have also reported pressure on the service over the festive period.

On Bank Holiday Monday, Swansea Bay NHS was urging people to only attend A&E if their condition is life threatening - saying Morriston Hospital in Swansea was under 'extreme pressure'.

Planned procedures and appointments for today at north Wales hospitals are cancelled apart from those deemed the most urgent.

In a statement the health board said: "We have announced an internal critical incident this morning as we struggle to cope with the unprecedented increased demand across the health and social care system.

"There is a high number of patients coming to our hospitals at the moment with flu, Covid and other respiratory viruses, as well as an increase in those patients who have sustained serious injuries or patients who are not well and need care.

"This, in addition to a lack of beds in our hospitals, and a significant lack in our staffing numbers, leads to an extremely long wait for patients to be seen - especially the emergency departments of our hospitals. Other health boards and trusts in England face similar pressures.

"This is an extremely challenging time for colleagues across the health service and we are extremely grateful for the ongoing efforts that are being made in difficult circumstances."

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