A Wrexham doctor has warned that there could be a 'war to save the NHS' as pressures continue to mount on health services. 

A lack of social care facilities in the area is causing a serious strain on healthcare and clinicians says Dr Peter Saul, GP at Beech Avenue practice in Rhos. 

Pressure on health departments and staff across Wales continues to rise due to demands for care and covid backlogs. 

READ MORE: Biggest Welsh healthcare union prepares for industrial action ballot over pay

Recently, the Emergency Department manager at the Maelor Hospital pleaded for understanding over the current situation she and her staff are in. 

Due to the increase in demand, Beech Avenue practice have had to recruit additional staff. 

Dr Saul believes the current problems stem in hospitals due to the lack of social care provisions in the area. 

He said: "Beds are full of people who need care, but not hospital care. 

"You can't get people out of hospital because there is no social care, which means the wards are full and you can't move people from A+E to the wards. 

"A+E gets blocked up as a result and ambulances can't hand over patients, so they end up sitting outside the hospitals for hours and can't go out and pick people in need up."

Dr Saul revealed that the increased pressure is having a significant effect on the healthcare workers in Wrexham too. 

READ MORE: Wrexham Maelor Hospital doctors 'some of the unhappiest ever seen', report says

He added: "It's taking it's toll on clinicians, stress and burnouts on GPs has shot up and only A+E doctors are higher in that regard than GPs. 

"When you're pushed to do the best job you can with limited resources, it's very hard. 

"There needs to be more social care facilities opened up, if not there could be a war to save the NHS." 

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “There is currently a serious shortage of domiciliary care workers in Wales. This means some people, who need support at home, are staying in hospital longer than necessary.

"This has an adverse effect on those concerned and puts pressure on our hospitals.

"This is why we are investing heavily in the recruitment and retention of social care staff in Wales, including paying social care workers the real living wage. Local authorities are working closely with health boards to improve this situation as soon as possible.”