Ambulances left queuing at A&E as flu outbreak hits

FIVE ambulances were left queuing outside Bronglais A&E last week due to “unusually high” demand and measures to contain an outbreak of flu.

As the hospital enters the start of what is traditionally the busiest time of year, a number of ambulances had to wait outside Bronglais Hospital accident and emergency department last Tuesday as staff struggled to cope with demand.

But Hywel Dda Health Board said the situation was made worse by “short term infection control precautions” after an outbreak of flu last week.

The Cambrian News reported last week that operations had to be postponed or cancelled at Bronglais as a result of the outbreak­.

Joe Teape, director of operations for the health board, said: “We are entering into the winter period and the pressures we are facing at this time of the year are not unusual.

“The demand on emergency services was unusually high at Bronglais Hospital earlier this week due to a combination of the number of patients requiring acute care and short term infection control precautions being implemented to prevent the spread of seasonal flu.”

Mr Teape said the situation was now under control and praised the work of staff.

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