DOZENS of patients are being cared for in corridors and are enduring waits as long as three days for a bed at under-pressure Glan Clwyd A&E.

Desperate patients who have visited the Bodelwyddan based emergency department this week have been sharing their experiences.

One mum and daughter attended Glan Clwyd on Monday, December 11. The mum had suspected sepsis.

The daughter claimed she saw elderly people having to stand for hours, severely unwell people sitting on floors, people waiting for nine hours for X-rays, people with Covid sat next to people with chest complaints and people waiting "hours upon hours" for beds in wards.

She said: "It was so upsetting to see. I attended with my mum who has suspected sepsis and it is heart-breaking to see so many unwell people standing and sitting on floors and in corridors.

"There was a gentleman sat next to us, on the floor, who had Covid. Next to myself and my mum was another gentleman who had COPD and a lady on the floor who had chest complaints due to an allergic reaction. There must have been about 10 to 15 people sat on the floor."

The daughter arrived at Glan Clwyd Hospital A&E with her mum at 1pm on the Monday. 

After enduring long waits in the corridor, they were allocated a bed 72 hours later.

She alleged: "On the Monday, we were offered a drink at 2pm. My mum is diabetic. We were not offered any other drinks or food. My husband had to bring my mum food. 

"I sat and cried as I could see people getting more and more poorly. One gentleman, who was 86, became delirious.

"In the corridors, there were bins waiting on the bed and a multitude of patients sat waiting on beds. 

"The nurses are so stretched. It's heart-breaking." 

Another person arrived at Glan Clwyd A&E with her brother on Monday, December 11. They arrived at 10.30am. 

They were moved to a ward after 50 hours.

The sister told the Pioneer and Journal: "He was in the waiting area until 12.30am on Tuesday, December 12. He was then brought through to the corridor to a proper chair. 

"I was shocked and flabbergasted at the amount of patients in the same position.

"I know it is not the staff's fault and they are trying their best to accommodate patients, but it is not acceptable.

"We were moved to a ward after 50 hours but we overheard a conversation that they had moved the wrong patient."

Another woman also arrived at Glan Clwyd hospital A&E with her father on Monday. She described the situation as "dire".

She said: "We arrived at 4.30pm. We sat in the corridor in A&E - I had to practically beg for my dad to be put on fluids. Several doctors stated that he required fluids.

"I eventually had to leave for work and when I returned on the Wednesday, nothing had had been done. He was still sat in a chair. Nothing had been done since I left on the Tuesday at 8pm.

"The conditions were horrific."

Adele Gittoes, Interim Executive Director of Operations at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), said:  “It has been particularly challenging for urgent and emergency care across North Wales over the weekend. This has resulted in patients experiencing delays, despite the best efforts of our staff.

“This demand over the weekend has seen delays continue throughout the week and we are working hard to ensure patients get timely assessment and treatment. We would encourage any of our patients who are unhappy with their experience or care to contact us directly with their concerns.

“The health and social care system across Wales is experiencing significant and sustained pressure, especially as we head into winter. This is having an impact on patient flow within our hospitals and waiting times in our emergency unit. We are continuing to work closely with colleagues across the health system and Welsh Government to identify ways in which we can alleviate pressures and improve the patient experience.

“We would urge the public to only attend the Emergency Department for emergency conditions and injuries, and please continue to help us by choosing the right service for their needs.

“Patients who do not need full emergency treatment may find that they can get appropriate advice and care from other NHS services, including GP surgeries, minor injury units and local pharmacies. Please contact NHS 111 or visit the Health Board website if you are unsure where to go.”

Patients who are Covid positive, who visit emergency departments at hospital in North Wales, should wear a mask "at all times" whilst they are in hospital.