SEVERE pressures are currently being experienced by Withybush General Hospital, the health board has said.

Hywel Dda University Health Board is urging patients to seek alternative forms of care, wherever possible.

The health board has stated on social media: “We have plans in place to manage increased demand, but we’re also asking anyone with a non-urgent medical complaint to help us by making full use of alternatives to A&E, such as our enhanced community pharmacy service, or by dialling 111 to be signposted to a GP, nurse, pharmacist or Minor Injury Unit.”

Hywel Dda Director of Operations and Deputy Chief Executive Joe Teape said: “Last year we delivered our most robust winter plan for Pembrokeshire in recent times, which included investment in community services, additional bed capacity, GP advice doctor support, paramedics supporting the Out of Hours service and a GP based in the A&E at Withybush.

"However, we are still periodically experiencing significant pressures at some of our hospitals, including Withybush, at this time of the year. 

"There are a number of reasons for this, including increased length of stay for patients who are medically ready to go home, but who are waiting for a care package to be put in place; this results in them having to stay in hospital for longer, which consequently means longer delays for new patients presenting at the front door of the hospital. 

"While we continue to work hard to reduce delayed transfers of care with our local authority and third sector partners, we also need to appeal directly to the public to help us manage these pressures by thinking carefully about their care needs and making sure they are choosing the right services, so that only those who are most in need of emergency or specialist care receive it. 

"Also, if you have a relative or loved one in hospital who is well enough to go home but is waiting to be discharged, you can also help us by arranging to come and get them as soon as possible – this is better for them and allows us to free up beds for other urgent care patients.”

For further information see:

www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/communitypharmacywww.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/outofhourswww.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/choosewell