Hospital put on rare Black Alert as patients urged to avoid A&E

04 April 2024 , 13:38

1331     0

The accident and emergency department at Morriston hospital (Image: WalesOnline/Gayle Marsh)

An NHS hospital has been put on Black Alert after experiencing 'exceptional demand' on its wards.

The Morriston Hospital in Swansea declared a 'Business Continuity Incident' and said it is seeing high numbers of patients, including many with 'DIY-related injuries'. People are being urged to seek medical aid elsewhere, if possible, and collect loved ones who have been discharged as soon as possible, so that beds can be freed-up for those in need.

It comes after bosses at the hospital said their A&E department was extremely busy with high numbers of patients. A number were said to have "DIY-related injuries". People suffering from injuries that are not life threatening have been asked to seek treatment elsewhere.

An ambulance outside Morriston Hospital in Swansea

A statement from Swansea Bay NHS Trust, which is responsible for Morriston Hospital and other medical providers in the region, was shared on social media at 12.20pm on Thursday. It reads: "We have now declared a Business Continuity Incident, our highest level of escalation, due to exceptional demand. We are seeing very high numbers of patients who are extremely unwell. This follows similar demand at other hospitals along the M4 corridor in South Wales this week. Please use alternatives to the Emergency Department (A&E) whenever possible."

Alternatives suggested by the hospital include the Minor Injury Unit at Neath Port Talbot Hospital. This can treat adults and children over one with minor injuries to the body such as cuts, burns, sprains, strains, dislocations and broken bones. The unit does not deal with illnesses, suspected heart attacks, chest pain or stroke.

Brit 'saw her insides' after being cut open by propeller on luxury diving trip

People with non-urgent medical issues have also been advised to use the NHS 111 Wales website or telephone 111 for advice. After a number of the injuries at the hospital were identified as DIY-related, people doing work around the house and garden have been reminded to follow proper safety guidance for tools and machinery and wear personal protective equipment where required.

A previous statement said: "Morriston Hospital’s Emergency Department (A&E) is extremely busy. We are seeing high numbers of patients, including those with DIY-related injuries. Please take care when doing work around the house and garden, following safety guidance for tools and machinery and wearing personal protective equipment where required. Currently, despite the best efforts of staff, you are likely to face a very long wait if you come to ED with a non-life threatening illness or injury."

Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas