A UK hospital has issued a rare black alert due to “exceptional demand” on its wards. Morriston Hospital in Swansea issued the warning – declaring 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.
This comes after the hospital’s A&E department was reported to be extremely busy with high numbers of patients. People suffering from injuries that are not life threatening have been asked to seek treatment elsewhere.
Swansea Bay NHS Trust, which is responsible for Morriston Hospital and other medical providers in the region, shared a statement 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 (AandE) whenever possible.”, reports the Mirror.
The hospital has suggested alternatives such as the Minor Injury Unit at Neath Port Talbot Hospital. This unit can treat adults and children over one with minor injuries like cuts, burns, sprains, strains, dislocations and broken bones.
However, it does not deal with illnesses, suspected heart attacks, chest pain or stroke.
For non-urgent medical issues, people have been advised to use the NHS 111 Wales website or call 111 for advice. After identifying a number of injuries at the hospital 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 needed.
A previous statement said: “Morriston Hospital’s Emergency Department (AandE) 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.”
