The Welsh Ambulance Service faced a significant challenge during the festive period as a surge in flu cases left them struggling to cope. Last month, the service reported that over 340 calls were waiting to be answered at the time a critical incident was declared, highlighting the immense pressure they were under.
According to health secretary Jeremy Miles, the NHS in Wales experienced considerable strains due to the increased number of flu and respiratory illnesses over Christmas and New Year. The Welsh Ambulance Service was particularly overwhelmed, leading to the declaration of a critical incident on December 30. Mr. Miles emphasized that despite preparations, certain parts of the NHS saw a surge in demand driven by cold weather and various illnesses like flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus.
Concerns were raised about the low uptake of flu vaccines in Wales, including among healthcare staff. Mr. Miles urged those eligible for a free NHS flu jab to get vaccinated, especially given the high levels of flu circulating in communities. Data showed that flu cases in Welsh hospitals rose by 18% during the Christmas week, with over 900 people admitted with flu, Covid, and RSV – a 20% increase from the previous year.
During the period from December 19 to New Year’s Day, there was a 19% rise in 999 calls for breathing issues compared to the same period in the previous year. This surge in respiratory infections posed challenges in triaging, assessing, and discharging patients, leading to longer waiting times for admission and congested wards and emergency departments.
The situation was exacerbated by more than 340 calls waiting to be answered at the time of the critical incident, with over half of the trust’s ambulances held up outside hospitals. Efforts were made to address the crisis, with the First Minister Eluned Morgan personally showing support by gifting chocolates to A&E staff during visits.
Mr. Miles highlighted the need for health boards and partners to focus on the safe and rapid discharge of patients to enhance capacity to deal with winter pressures. The importance of improving social care to facilitate timely discharges and free up hospital beds was underscored as a critical priority. As work continues to address the challenges posed by the flu surge, authorities are aiming to enhance response capabilities in the days and weeks ahead.
In conclusion, the strain faced by the Welsh Ambulance Service and the wider NHS during the flu surge over the holidays underscores the critical importance of vaccination and robust healthcare preparedness. The ongoing efforts to streamline patient care and alleviate pressure on healthcare services reflect a commitment to ensuring the well-being of the population during challenging times.