Welsh health board issues 'red alert' over A&E pressures

Owen Hughes & Alex Hickey

6 May 2024 at 4:49 pm·1-min read

A file photo of ambulances outside Ysbyty Glan Clwyd A&E department -Credit:Reach plc

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has issued a red alert as their emergency departments are currently under "extreme pressure". The warning from the North Wales board makes clear that there are "extremely" long delays at A&E.

People are being encouraged to choose the "most suitable place to access care". Currently, waits of up to 10 hours are being reported at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan, according to the online NHS checker.

One person told North Wales Live that a family member had been waiting for 18 hours at Glan Clwyd with suspected sepsis, yet they still had not received dedicated care or been admitted. He described the entire situation as a "fiasco".

This comes after an extremely busy Bank Holiday weekend, which saw thousands of visitors swelling the local population. You can get more story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.

A health board spokesperson said: "Our Emergency Departments across North Wales are extremely busy at present and people could face extremely long waits. Our hospitals are under extreme pressure and we would urge people to choose the most appropriate place to access care and support to help avoid any delays."

"If you can, use NHS Wales 111 online symptom checker for advice. If you or a friend or loved one have a life-threatening condition, or are seriously injured you must go to your nearest emergency department as soon as possible."

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