Health Board Urge Patients to Think Twice Before Visiting Emergency Departments Due to High Demand
People are being urged not to attend Wrexham’s Emergency Department unless they require urgent care – with hospitals across north Wales experiencing an increase in demand today.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) are encouraging people to think twice before dialling 999 for an ambulance or visiting Emergency Departments during this exceptionally busy period.
The Health Board say Emergency Departments in Ysbyty Gwynedd, Glan Clwyd Hospital and Wrexham Maelor Hospital are ‘extremely busy’ and are experiencing a large volume of people using the service.
There are also people attending the hospitals who could be treated elsewhere.
In a series of tweets sent out by BCUHB this afternoon, patients are being reminded to only attend the Emergency Departments if they are suffering with a serious injury or illness.
Those experiencing minor injuries or illnesses are being reminded of the following options:
A spokesperson for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said: ““We are currently experiencing incredibly high demand in all three of our Emergency Departments, and this understandably is increasing pressure on resources.
“In many cases people can get the care they need more quickly if they go to the service that most suits their needs, and help NHS staff respond to the people who really need emergency care without delay.
“Our ‘Choose Well’ advice can help people decide on the most appropriate care, and more information can be found at: www.choosewellwales.org.uk. There is also a free ‘Choose Well Wales’ app.
“Local pharmacies can also offer advice on a range of minor ailments, and NHS Direct is also available on 0845 46 47.”
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