NHS Wales: Black Alert issued due to unprecedented patient surge at Morriston Hospital

Patients with "non-life threatening conditions" told to expect long waits or choose alternatives

In a recent announcement, Swansea Bay NHS has alerted a case of black alert at  Morriston Hospital in South Wales . The announcement made via social media and the NHS Wales website states the Morriston Hospitsal has been placed under the "highest level of escalation due to exceptionally high demand".

One of the largest medical facilities in Wales, and renowned for serving as the primary acute tertiary hospital for South West Wales, alongside Morriston Hospital, "similar pressures have been experienced by hospitals along the M4 corridor this week."

The Swansea Bay University Health Board urged the public to seek alternatives to the Emergency Department (A&E) whenever possible to alleviate strain on the hospital staff who are experiencing " highest levels of escalation" in patient care in A&E

"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."

Individuals are urged not to visit the Emergency Department unless absolutely necessary, as resources are prioritized for those with life-threatening conditions. Relatives are also encouraged to promptly "collect discharged loved ones" to aid in managing the influx of patients.

This surge in demand at Morriston Hospital is an update to the announcement made earlier by Swansea Bay NHS: "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."

Morriston Hospital boasts one of the busiest emergency departments (A&E) in Wales. Collaborating closely with Swansea Bay's Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service Cymru (EMRTS), famously known as the Flying Doctors.