Patients with minor injuries or illnesses are being asked to avoid the Emergency Departments (A&E) at the Royal Gwent Hospital and Nevill Hall hospitals this week as they may face long delays.

 

Staff are currently dealing with a high number of emergency cases on the back of an extremely busy weekend for both hospitals. Levels of medical and surgical emergency cases are much higher than normal.

 

Dr Paul Buss, medical director for the local health board, said, “Our hospitals are under a lot of pressure at the moment. Our dedicated and committed staff are doing everything possible for patients, but because it is so busy we are requesting that people avoid attending A&E unless they are seriously ill or injured.

“If anyone attends with an illness or injury which would be better treated elsewhere, they could face longer waits because our staff have to prioritise the care of very sick patients.

 

“Instead, people should consider calling NHS Direct Wales (0845 46 47) for advice, visit their local pharmacist, call our GP Out of Hours service, or attend our Minor Injury Units at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr in Ystrad Mynach or Ysbyty Aneurin Bevan in Ebbw Vale,” he said.