The Maelor Hospital recorded a rather unwanted figure last month as pressure continues to put a strain on the Emergency Department (ED). 

Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board have released a statement regarding the 'unprecedented demand' on EDs across North Wales. 

The statement also reminded the public to use health services wisely and to only visit the ED if absolutely necessary, after seeing 2,000 patients visit EDs across North Wales during the past week.

Hospitals are currently having difficulty discharging medically-fit patients, which in turn creates long waiting lists, ambulance waits, and delays on services. 

READ MORE: 'We're not miracle workers' - Under pressure frontline staff at the Maelor

Recent data published by StatsWales showed that in July, the Maelor Hospital ranked the lowest in Wales for the number of patients seen within the four-hour waiting time target. 

Just 33.5 percent of patients were seen in less than four hours last month, which equates to 1,612 out of 4,809 patients.

The next lowest was Glan Clwyd with 47.2 percent. 

Lindsey Bloor, Emergency Department Directorate General Manager at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, said: “Like hospitals across the country, we continue to be very busy as a result of increased admissions following last week’s hot weather and delays in discharging patients who no longer need an acute bed. We expect our Emergency Department to remain extremely busy for some days to come.

READ MORE: More staff and facilities needed at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, report finds

“All our patients are prioritised by clinical need, if you have a life-threatening injury or illness – we want to see you. If you feel unwell and it’s not an emergency please seek an alternative service such as Pharmacy, your GP or Minor Injury Unit.

“If you do not have a life-threatening condition and you attend the Emergency Department you will be waiting a considerable amount of time to be seen as our most sickest patients are our priority.”

People can help hospital staff by:

• Supporting the return home of patients and relatives who have completed their treatment and ready to leave hospital. This will ensure there are beds available to support patients who need our care

• There are a number of options and local services across North Wales to help you get the right advice and/or treatment – visit Betsi's website in the first instance if your symptoms are not an emergency.