NHS winter pressure plan outlined

The minister urged patients to call NHS Direct Wales in non-emergencies

Measures to limit pressure on hospitals in Wales because of winter weather have been announced by the health minister.

Edwina Hart said recent cold weather had led to higher demand for NHS services and urged patients to be responsible when using hospitals.

"I would encourage people to consider accessing other health services rather than calling 999 or arriving at accident and emergency," she said.

Ms Hart also said regional groups would make contingency plans.

Three winter pressures groups - in mid and west Wales, the south, and the north - would bring together senior NHS staff and representatives from local authorities and other organisations to make arrangements for the health and care systems.

Resources

"People can't help when they fall ill or when they need emergency care, and when that happens, the NHS aims to deliver the most appropriate care," said Ms Hart.

"People who inappropriately use the ambulance services and accident and emergency departments for non-emergencies are diverting resources away from those who may be in desperate need of care and urgent attention."

Other measures announced include NHS managers reporting daily to the assembly government on the situation.

The minister also praised NHS staff for working "so hard" to care for patients despite the increased demand.