University Hospital of Wales enters highest alert level
They're experiencing significant and sustained demand on services
Last updated 7th Nov 2023
The University Hospital of Wales has entered its highest alert level due to an increase in demand on services.
A spokesperson for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said:
“Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is currently experiencing, significant and sustained adverse demand on services, particularly within the Emergency Unit; exacerbated by seasonal pressures and limited bed availability due to elongated patient stays in hospital.
"This sustained pressure continues to present challenges to the way we deliver patient care. As such, the Health Board is today reluctantly declaring an internal business continuity incident.
A Business Continuity Incident is the highest level 5 and is also known as a black alert.
they added:
"The Health Board's priority is to provide timely and safe care to all patients and in doing so members of the public are urged to ‘help us, help you’ by using services appropriately and only attending the Emergency Unit in cases of a genuine life-threatening emergency which requires immediate medical intervention.
"To improve patient flow and capacity, the Health Board is mobilising its internal resources and continuing to work with colleagues from across the Local Authorities and Health and Social Care sector to facilitate onward discharge to home for medically fit patients.
At this stage they have confirmed that there is no disruption to elective and clinical appointments which are continuing to operate as usual.
They have also thanked the public for their support and patience at a difficult time.
The Health Board will now continue to review the situation and issue updates as they get them.