Urgent: Welsh Ambulance Service Declares Critical Incident Amid Unprecedented 999 Demand
The Welsh Ambulance Service has declared a critical incident in response to escalating demand on its 999 services and prolonged hospital handover delays.
At the time of the announcement on Monday evening, over 340 emergency calls were awaiting response across Wales. Additionally, more than half of the service’s ambulances were queued outside hospitals, waiting to transfer patients into care.
The service has urged the public to reserve 999 calls for life-threatening situations, as some patients are enduring hours-long waits for assistance.
High Demand and Delays
Declaring a critical incident is a rare step for the Welsh Ambulance Service. The move reflects an unsustainable strain on resources, with extensive delays outside hospitals causing a ripple effect across emergency services.
Stephen Sheldon, the head of the service, emphasized the importance of public cooperation during this challenging period. He urged people to use 999 only for emergencies such as cardiac arrests, severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, choking, or severe bleeding.
“We ask the public to consider alternative routes for medical help, such as visiting the NHS 111 Wales website, consulting a GP or pharmacist, or attending a minor injuries unit for non-life-threatening issues,” Mr. Sheldon said.
Measures and Public Guidance
The ambulance service has implemented additional measures to maintain its operations amid the crisis. These include reallocating resources and seeking support from other agencies to manage demand.
Monday’s critical incident declaration coincided with heightened efforts across Welsh health boards to address flu-related concerns. New rules requiring face masks for patients and visitors were introduced in several regions, including Cardiff and Vale, Hywel Dda, Aneurin Bevan, and Cwm Taf Morgannwg health boards.
Swansea Bay and Betsi Cadwaladr health boards have taken similar measures, asking the public to limit hospital visits wherever possible and mandating masks for staff and visitors. These precautions aim to curb the spread of flu, which is exacerbating the strain on healthcare services.
A History of Strain
This is not the first time the Welsh Ambulance Service has faced critical pressure. In December 2020, a similar incident was declared due to overwhelming demand in South East Wales.
In 2023, an extraordinary incident occurred when an ambulance spent more than 28 hours waiting outside a hospital. At one point, 16 ambulances were queued outside Morriston Hospital in Swansea, severely impacting the availability of emergency services across the region.
First Minister at the time, Mark Drakeford, explained that declaring critical incidents is a tool for managing extreme circumstances. It allows for “mutual aid” to be deployed, pulling in additional resources to alleviate strain. He also cautioned that such declarations might become more frequent as demand for healthcare services continues to grow.
A Call for Public Support
The current situation underscores the challenges faced by healthcare providers in Wales. The Welsh Ambulance Service is appealing for public support to ensure that emergency resources are directed to those most in need.
“Every 999 call and every ambulance matters,” the service said in a statement. “We need the public’s help to prioritize life-threatening emergencies during this critical time.”
By using alternative healthcare options and reserving 999 for genuine emergencies, the public can play a vital role in helping the system navigate this period of unprecedented demand.
