A WREXHAM resident has been quick to heap praise on NHS staff for helping her husband during a time when the industry is under immense pressure.

Earlier today (Monday December 19), north Wales' health board declared an internal critical incident.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) officials say it is struggling to cope with the "prolonged and significant demand" on the health system.

A lack of available beds across hospitals in North Wales is leading to unprecedented ambulance delays, and as a result, all but the most urgent procedures across the hospital sites have been postponed.

On top of that, NHS and ambulance service staff will be walking out across the country on December 20, 21 and 28 in an ongoing dispute over pay.

The industry is facing pressures like never before, but according to one Wrexham resident who got in touch with the Leader, staff 'keep on caring when it is needed most'.

Read more: Welsh Ambulance Service: All you need to know about three-day strike action

On Saturday, December 10, 87-year-old Frank Jones suffered a fall at his home in Johnstown.

His wife Sara says that he had fractured his femur and, as it was an already replaced hip joint, the situation was 'serious' and, as a result, Mr Jones needed immediate care and surgery.

Sara said: "The surgeons at the Wrexham Maelor hospital quickly arranged this care and Frank underwent surgery on Friday (December 16) and is now recovering in hospital.

"We are at a time when the NHS is under immense pressure due to lack of social care, underfunding, staff shortages, underpaid staff, strikes and so on."

"But, in spite of all this staff at the hospital keep on caring when it is needed most.

"I want to thank each and every one involved in caring for patients at the Maelor hospital from the bottom of my heart because our family have been immensely blessed."