‘significant pressures’ at crowded hospitals

A WELSH health board has issued an urgent message over coronavirus and patients in hospitals, saying the numbers of people entering hospitals are putting its systems under pressure and making it “extremely difficult” to social distance.

The health board warned that two of its hospitals are under “significant pressure with the number of patients attending, both with Covid and non-Covid”, and pleaded with the public to stay away from emergency departments unless it is an emergency.

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, which covers the Newport and Gwent area, said two of its hospitals, Nevill Hall Hospital and Royal Gwent Hospital, were experiencing long waiting times due to the amount of people attending A&E.

In a statement, the health board said: “We are continuing to treat an increasing number of patients with Covid-19 in our hospitals.

“Our emergency departments at Nevill Hall Hospital and the Royal Gwent Hospital are under significant pressure with the number of patients attending, both with Covid and non-Covid.

“We have long waiting times and we need to request your support in only attending our emergency departments if you are seriously unwell and need emergency care.”

The health board stressed that due to the increasing numbers, it was becoming “extremely difficult” to follow social distancing guidelines, adding: “Please think carefully before attending.

“If you do attend and it is not an emergency or you are not seriously unwell you will be redirected to services more appropriate to your needs.

“Please choose well and consider your local pharmacy, your GP, or a minor injury unit and ring NHS 111 for advice. You can also ring 111 if you need to access urgent primary care when your own GP surgery is closed. Thank you for your ongoing support in these challenging and unprecedented times.”

It follows an intensive care consultant at the health board warning people of the struggle the NHS faces this winter if cases continue to climb at their current rate. In a video shared by the Welsh Government, consultant Ami Jones begged people to adhere to safety measures to allow the NHS to keep other services, such as urgent cancer treatments, running as normal through the winter.

“We don’t know how we’re going to cope with winter this year,” said Dr Jones.