HEALTH bosses have thanked the North Wales public for using services wisely as significant pressures continue. 

Prior to Christmas, Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board put out statements encouraging patients to support them during the winter months. 

As the demand for healthcare continues, bosses have once again urged people to use the correct services available, to help ease the sustained pressures on staff. 

They have also thanked the public for their support over the festive period.

Adele Gittoes, interim executive director of operations at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “The health and social care system across Wales is experiencing significant and sustained pressure. This is having an impact on patient flow within our hospitals and waiting times in our Emergency Departments.

"We are continuing to work closely with colleagues across the health and social care system, Welsh Government and the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust to identify ways to alleviate these pressures and improve the experience of our patients.

“It has been particularly challenging for urgent and emergency care across North Wales in recent days, with many patients presenting at our Emergency Departments requiring more complex care and treatment. We apologise to those patients who have experienced longer than usual waiting times, despite the best efforts of our hard working staff.

“We would urge the public to only attend the Emergency Department for emergency conditions and injuries. Patients who do not need full emergency treatment may find they can get appropriate advice and care from other NHS services, including GP surgeries, minor injury units and local pharmacies. Please contact NHS 111 online or visit the Health Board website if you are unsure where to go.

“Of course, if you or a loved one has a serious or life-threatening condition or injury you must call 999 immediately.

“The public can also help reduce the pressures on our hospitals by taking up vaccination appointments for flu or COVID-19, if eligible. Flu is now circulating in North Wales, alongside COVID-19 and other winter viruses. The number of patients testing positive for flu in our hospitals has increased in recent weeks, with Public Health Wales recently saying there has been a ‘concerning’ rise in the number of cases of flu throughout Wales.

“Our vaccination clinics are offering both the flu vaccine and COVID-19 Autumn booster from Tuesday, January 2. All eligible adults will be able to drop in to a clinic to receive the vaccines without an appointment. You can choose to receive one or both vaccines. Get more information here: Vaccinations - Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (nhs.wales)

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“Please practice good hygiene when visiting our sites across North Wales. You will be aware of the recent impact of Norovirus infections and we would remind people to regularly wash their hands with soap and water when they are in hospital settings. Similarly, if you have suffered from any vomiting or diarrhoea within the last 48 hours please do not visit our hospital sites.

“I would like to wish everyone across North Wales a safe and Happy New Year, along with our thanks for helping us to help you.

“Finally, I would like to thank our selfless staff who work incredibly hard to keep the public safe while under extreme pressure. They have continued to do so through the Christmas and New Year holidays and beyond.”