Flu Surge Overwhelms Welsh Ambulance Service During Holiday Season

The Welsh Ambulance Service faced immense pressure over the Christmas period due to a dramatic increase in flu and respiratory illness cases. Health Secretary Jeremy Miles revealed that a recent critical incident was declared, resulting from a backlog of over 340 999 calls due to the overwhelming demand for emergency services. This year’s flu cases were three times higher than the previous year, leading to a significant strain on the system despite prior planning.

Miles noted that the rise in flu infections, combined with hospitals’ efforts to combat infections, contributed to the challenges faced by the ambulance service. Although the proportion of calls answered promptly remained stable, the sheer volume of incoming calls put additional stress on resources.

At the peak of the crisis, many ambulances were reportedly waiting outside hospitals to transfer patients, leading the service to emphasize that the public should only call 999 for serious emergencies. In response to the winter pressures, the Welsh government allocated resources to enhance the emergency response capability, which included hiring more advanced practitioner paramedics and increasing consultant numbers in emergency departments.

The critical incident was officially lifted on December 31, but authorities continued to urge the public to drink responsibly in order to mitigate strain on emergency services during New Year’s celebrations.