Hospital staff praised for their “extremely hard work to provide care” during busy winter period

Staff at the Wrexham Maelor and in hospitals across North Wales have been praised for their “extremely hard work” and dedication during the busy winter period.

The hospital has experienced increased pressure over recent weeks, with reports over the weekend of as many as 15 ambulances parked outside the Emergency Department.

While one ward at the hospital remains closed due to the flu, this is a reduction on the two closures for new admissions and four wards with patients in isolation earlier this month.

At the start of January Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board put visiting restrictions in place to help prevent the further spread of the virus; asking people to only visit the hospital if necessary.

Patients are still being urged to ‘choose well’ to help reduce the pressures on Emergency Departments.

Speaking about the increased demand the Wrexham Maelor Hospital is facing at present, Nigel Lee, Director of Secondary Care, praised the staff who are working “extremely hard” over the busy winter period.

Mr Lee said: “As has been seen across Wales, our Emergency Departments have been extremely busy throughout the winter period. All of our staff are working extremely hard to provide care over the winter period, and we thank them for their outstanding efforts.

“We are working closely with our partners at the Welsh Ambulance Service to ensure we meet the needs of patients most at risk, as well as with local authorities and colleagues in Primary Care.

“We urge patients to ensure they seek medical assistance from the service which best suits their needs. That way, they can receive care more quickly, and our Emergency Department staff can respond to people who need emergency care without delay.

“Both pharmacies and the Minor Injuries Units at our community hospitals provide advice and assistance on a range of minor ailments. Information about our MIUs, including what they can provide care for and directions, can be found on the free NHS Live Wait Times app.

“Further advice on where to seek medical attention can be found on the Choose Well Wales website or through the free Choose Well Wales app.”