Some surgery postponed due to hospital pressures (From Western Telegraph)

Some surgery postponed due to hospital pressures

10:05am Wednesday 13th March 2013 in News

Some planned surgery has been postponed at Withybush Hospital as it is currently experiencing a high number of ambulance attendances and admissions.

Hywel Dda Health Board said that its four main hospitals - Bronglais, Glangwili, Prince Philip and Withybush are under pressure and people with minor injury or illness to consider other options of care.

Director of planning and operations, Mark Brandreth, said: "Hospitals across Wales are very busy today, dealing with many poorly patients.

“For example there has been unprecedented ambulance attendances at Welsh hospitals, currently 22% above prediction for this time of year.

“In order to manage these patients we have taken immediate action including postponing some planned surgery so that clinical resources can support the demand in our Emergency Departments.

“The Health Board has increased the number of ward beds available as far as we can and our staff are working extremely hard and flexibly, for which we are very grateful.

“We are also working with our partners to ensure that patients are not delayed in moving out of hospital and into more appropriate care.”

People are being urged to help reduce the pressures by Choosing Well, which will not only ensure busy emergency services are available to those who need them, but that individuals get the right treatment, in the right place and in the shortest possible time.

Other options of care include: Self care – for the treatment of minor illnesses, by combining a well stocked medicine cabinet with plenty of rest at home.

Advice - NHS Direct Wales can help with any health questions, around the clock, and help find local services. . You can phone the helpline on 0845 46 47 or visit the website www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk Community Support - Your local Pharmacist can give you expert advice and support on common illnesses and any medicine you may need without booking an appointment. A local voluntary organisation may be able to provide the help that you need such as a support group or extra care.

Routine Care – Make an appointment with your local GP when you have an illness or injury that isn’t an emergency. For routine dental care, contact your registered dentist.

Urgent Care - If you need urgent health care for your physical and mental health, phone your GP Surgery or the GP out of hours service. Some areas also have minor injury services. For urgent dental care contact NHS Direct Wales Dental Helpline on 0845 46 47.

Emergencies – call 999 and ask for the ambulance service for serious emergencies, or attend the Emergency Department (A&E).

Full details on local services can be found at www.choosewellwales.org.uk or download the free mobile phone app from the website.