A Welsh health board has declared it has the highest level of escalation - indicating it is under the most extreme level of pressure as emergency departments struggle to cope with high numbers of patients.
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board issued a statement on Thursday night announcing that the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, and University Hospital Llandough sites are operating at escalation level four, the highest available level of escalation that denotes extreme pressure.
Escalation level four can lead to operations and other services being cancelled. It comes the day after neighbouring Aneurin Bevan University Health Board declared a business continuity incident - also known as a black alert - the highest alert level available as as services are under "sustained and unprecedented pressure". In February, Cwm Taf health board also went to black alert for 48 hours.
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Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said staff are urging people to consider all the healthcare options available to them. Emergency units are "extremely busy" and are suggesting that people only visit the accident and emergency units at UHW if absolutely necessary or if patients have a life-threatening illness or serious injury.
In a statement on their website the health board said: "We are experiencing significant pressure across our Health System, with our University Hospital of Wales and University Hospital Llandough sites operating at Escalation Level 4, denoting extreme pressure.
"Our emergency unit at UHW is extremely busy and we would urge you to only attend the department where absolutely necessary - if you have a life-threatening illness or serious injury.
"We ask that you consider all of the options for accessing healthcare.
"If you are unwell and think you need to be seen urgently in either our Emergency Unit or Minor Injuries Unit, please phone first by calling NHS 111. They will assess you and book you an appointment if necessary.
"If you are unwell and unsure what to do, you can visit the online symptom checker or call NHS 111 for advice. Our Primary Choice webpages also highlight the range of services available through Primary Care providers such as GP practices and community pharmacists.
"We are also asking those with loved ones who are in hospital and are well enough to be discharged to support their discharge home. This is best for your loved ones and it will also help free up beds for those most in need.
"Please help us to deliver services safely by only using our services as absolutely necessary, and sharing this information with friends and family, thank you."
In a statement on Wednesday, March 30, Health Minister Eluned Morgan, referred to Aneurin Bevan health board's black alert and said: “The health and social care system in Wales is currently under extraordinary pressure and we would strongly urge anyone seeking care to make sure they access the right care in the right place, whether that’s through ‘help us, help you’, access to the NHS Wales 111 website or urgent and emergency care.
“We have been open about the challenges that NHS Wales, and 999 and Emergency Departments in particular are under. This is not a unique situation in Wales; health services across the UK are facing similar challenges."
