Posted: Tue 16th May 2017

“Surge Of Patients” Create ’16 Hour Wait’ At Wrexham Maelor A&E

Wrexham.com for people living in or visiting the Wrexham area
This article is old - Published: Tuesday, May 16th, 2017

Last night saw a ‘high demand’ at Wrexham Hospital, with a 16 hour wait time being announced at one point to around fifty people waiting to be seen.

Further to a tweet last night from a local businessman that cited a 16 hour wait from just before 10pm (below) another person got in touch to say: “We called 999 to receive a call back to say no ambulances were available. Luckily we live close to the A&E department.”

“On arrival we could see lots of ambulances and in the waiting area hardly a spare seat. The nurse informed the waiting room of a 16 hour wait. Lots of moans and groans. Some people saying ‘we have already been here 9 hours’. I would say that 60% of the people waiting left once they heard of the wait.”

They added: “The staff as always were exceptional and particularly the triage nurse who looked after my wife and rushed her through. The doctors and nurses are under pressure to meet demand and are doing their best to cope with the increased demand.”

A spokesperson for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board told us today: “We apologise for longer waiting times than usual at Wrexham Maelor Hospital’s emergency department yesterday evening.

“During this period we experienced a high demand in service and a surge of patients over a short period of time which led to longer than usual waits for treatment.

“We always prioritise the treatment of patients according to their clinical need. To ensure patient safety, prioritisation took place which ensured that patients who have a higher clinical risk were treated and moved into appropriate departments in a timely way.

“This means that, at times, some patients whose needs are less urgent can experience extended waits in our department, despite the best efforts of nursing and medical staff.

“Many patients who do not need full emergency hospital treatment may find that they can get appropriate advice and care from other NHS services, including our minor injuries units, local pharmacists or by calling NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47.”

At the time of writing the queue is currently 57 strong, with a wait time of 3 hours stated:

Pic: Archive shot of the Maelor.



Spotted something? Got a story? Email [email protected]



Have a look at...

Turnover up 75% as Wrexham AFC say ‘losses shouldnt be repeated’ as payroll nears £7m

Off-road motorcyclists ‘using their bikes dangerously’ warned they ‘will be seized’

Saturday’s Wrexham Artisan Market to be ‘showcase’ of local and national products

MMA Event coming to north east Wales this weekend!

Rare newts thriving after north east Wales pond restoration

Plans for new studio flat above Wrexham fast food restaurant

Football Banning Order issued to Wrexham man for ‘pyro offences’

Ambulance Service ‘expecting the Bank Holiday period to be a busy one for us’

Reminder to check for Schools Essentials Grant before window closes at end of May

Wrexham AFC Women Awarded first UEFA License and FAW Tier 1 License renews for 2024/25 Season

“Disrespectful” easter egg hunt in cemetery cancelled after backlash

Free Easter Egg Hunt in Wrexham city centre tomorrow!