A DOUBLE warning has been issued by health chiefs as “unprecedented demand” on services begins to lead to “significant bed shortages” and ambulances unable to attend 999 calls ahead of what has been described “one of the hardest winters we have ever faced”.

On Thursday, a joint statement by Hywel Dda University Health Board, the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, along with Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Carmarthenshire County Councils warned that there “is currently an unprecedented demand on health and social care services” across the region, “which is leading to significant delays in care provision.”

“The difficulty in discharging medically-fit patients from hospital – many of whom have complex personal circumstances and needs – is leading to significant bed shortages, and consequently, lengthy ambulance waits at the ‘front door’ of A&E departments, which mean that paramedics are unable to respond to other 999 calls in the community,” the statement said.

It came just days after NHS Wales chief executive Andrew Goodall warned the dual challenge of the Covid pandemic and other respiratory viruses will make this winter “one of the hardest we have ever faced”.

Mr Goodall said services needed to remain ready to respond to rapidly changing circumstances, as well as minimising time spent in hospital for those receiving care and supporting people to return home to continue their recovery.

“We know this winter will be one of the hardest periods we have ever faced, as we face the twin challenges of the pandemic and respiratory viruses, but we will ensure essential services keep running,” Mr Goodall said.

“Our services need to be agile and able to respond to those who need hospital care when their condition worsens, as well as providing support as close to home as possible to reduce their need to attend hospital to receive care.”

The joint statement added that “social care and health teams are doing everything possible to support people who are well enough to leave hospital but need ongoing care.”

“Priority is being given to the most vulnerable, and alternative health and care packages are being offered as a short-term measure,” it said.

“More carers and health staff are also being recruited to support people in need.”

The stark warnings come as an extra £42m funding was announced for social care, some of which will be used to help ease pressure on hospital beds as part of the NHS Wales Health and Social Care Winter Plan.