INPATIENT operations were cancelled at Bronglais Hospital and the other three Hywel Dda Health Board hospitals, with health chiefs blaming an "extraordinary weekend".

The health board said that significant pressure on services over the weekend had led to the decision to cancel all inpatient operations on Monday, 6 January.

Patients were also warned that there were long waits for GP appointments and at A&E and minor injury units, amid requests not to contact appointments or outpatient teams in the health board area as they "are very busy".

Inpatient opeations have also been cancelled at Withybush in Haverfordwest, Glangwili in Carmarthen and Price Philip in Llanelli.

Hywel Dda Medical Director Dr Philip Kloer, said: "First, I’d like to thank all my NHS colleagues across our hospitals, primary care and in the community for their commitment to our patients at this highly pressurised time.

"This weekend saw our hospitals at a level of escalation not seen before and it is in the interest of patient safety that we have postponed planned operations today (Monday, 6 January).

"I understand this may be frustrating for those who have waited for their operation and I apologise for this.

"In response to the pressures being experienced today, we are redeploying staff to areas where additional support is needed, including contacting staff currently on leave.

"We are also working with our colleagues in the local authority and the families of those well enough to be discharged to ensure our medically well can go home or to an appropriate care setting as soon as possible."