Morriston Hospital in Swansea has issued an urgent warning as its accident and emergency department experiences high levels of activity. The Swansea Bay University Health Board released a statement on Monday alerting the public that the emergency department at Morriston Hospital is currently “extremely busy”. Patients are facing significant wait times, prompting the hospital to urge individuals to consider using alternative healthcare services before visiting A&E.
The statement emphasised that in cases of chest pains, stroke, serious illness, or serious injury, individuals should still seek immediate care at the emergency department. However, the public is encouraged to explore other options for less urgent medical needs. Senior charge nurse Tristan Taylor highlighted the strain on the hospital’s emergency services, urging people to utilise resources such as the NHS 111 Wales symptoms checker available online. He also suggested considering a visit to a local pharmacy for certain non-emergency medical issues.
For minor injuries like cuts, minor burns, sprains, strains, dislocations, and minor fractures, individuals were advised to consider using the minor injury unit at Neath Port Talbot Hospital. However, it was stressed that this facility is not equipped to handle serious medical conditions such as heart attacks, chest pain, or strokes. The call for utilising alternative healthcare services comes as a measure to alleviate the pressure on the busy emergency department at Morriston Hospital.
The health board’s message serves as a reminder for the public to assess the urgency of their medical needs and opt for appropriate healthcare options to ensure that emergency services can focus on critical cases. By making informed decisions about where to seek medical attention, individuals can contribute to a more efficient and effective healthcare system.