Ysbyty Glan Clwyd Patients Turned Away

People on Twitter told Heart that patients at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd were being turned away over the weekend. Here's what the health board have to say about it.

A Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board spokesperson said:

"We are very sorry for any delays patients may have faced over the last few days due to a consistent period of high patient demand at Glan Clwyd hospital. This did mean that some ambulance crews were not able to hand over patients as quickly as we would have liked. 

"All of our doctors and nurses have worked extremely hard during the course of the last week to maintain safety and manage the pressures. As part of this work, the Health Board and the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust did agree at lunchtime yesterday (Sunday 20th October) to temporarily divert ambulances to the two neighbouring district general hospitals who were in a position to support for appropriate patients. 

"Each case was discussed prior to arrival at the hospital and only those cases where it was agreed appropriate were diverted. 

"All of our hospitals work closely with each other and the ambulance service to help balance emergency pressures and maintain patient safety across the region. However we would like to make it clear that the department did not close its doors and no patients who arrived by other means were turned away.

"The divert arrangement to the Maelor stopped at 6pm (Sunday) and to Ysbyty Gwynedd at 10pm (Sunday). 

Continuing, the spokesperson said:

"We will continue to work closely across the three hospital with the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust and GP Out of Hours to minimise delays at the Emergency Department wherever possible. Patients can also play their part by following the advice of the 'Choose Well' campaign to ensure they receive the right treatment for an illness or injury which might not necessitate a visit to the emergency department.  

"By making the right choice people can help free up emergency medical care resources for those facing life threatening illnesses or injuries. Our Enhanced Care at home service is now also running in Flint which provides early support for people in their own homes. Through this more patients will receive care they require at home without the need to travel or be admitted to a hospital."