A health board in Wales has issued an A&E warning as their hospitals are “extremely busy”. Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board issued the warning on the afternoon of Monday, September 16. The health board, which provides primary, community, hospital and mental health services to people living in Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil, and Rhondda Cynon Taf, warned that only the “most seriously injured and ill patients” would be prioritised at their emergency departments (EDs).
They also warned that other patients would be faced with an “extended wait”. Alternatively, the health board has recommended that these patients look into other ways of accessing healthcare. In a post shared on Facebook, the health board wrote: “All of our emergency departments are extremely busy this evening. The most seriously injured and ill patients are prioritised at our EDs so if you attend with a less serious condition you will face an extended wait. If you do need help and it is not life-threatening or an emergency there are many other ways to access healthcare”.
The health board’s announcement comes as they aim to manage the high influx of patients seeking care. For the latest health and Covid news, sign up to their newsletter. WalesOnline has launched a new breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community. From the biggest court stories to the latest traffic updates, weather warnings, and breaking news, it’s a simple way to stay up to date with what’s happening in Wales. Joining the community allows members to receive updates daily and occasional special offers from partners.
As the health board focuses on prioritising the most critical cases, they continue to encourage the public to explore alternative healthcare options for non-life-threatening situations. Residents are advised to take precautions and consider other means of seeking medical attention if their condition is not an emergency. The health board’s efforts are in response to the current strain on hospital resources, aiming to provide the best care to those in urgent need.