Welsh Ambulance Service critical incident stood down

01.01.25

THE critical incident declared by the Welsh Ambulance Service has now been stood down.

The service declared a critical incident on Monday (30 December 2024) night as a result of extreme pressure on the 999 system and extensive hospital handover delays, exacerbated by a rising number of viruses such as flu, norovirus and Covid-19.

The Trust took a number of additional measures to mitigate the pressures as part of well-rehearsed plans and in order to continue to deliver a safe service.

While the critical incident has since been stood down, significant pressures remain.

Judith Bryce, the Trust’s Assistant Director of Operations, said: “We would once again like to apologise to all those patients who have waited far too long for an ambulance during an extremely challenging 48-hour period.

“While the critical incident is behind us, significant pressures remain, and it’s really important that the public play their part to protect our precious resources for those who need them most.

“Please only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency, and if it’s not a life-threatening emergency, please consider one of the many alternatives to 999, starting with the NHS 111 Wales symptom checkers as well as your local pharmacist, Minor Injuries Unit and GP.

“More broadly, help limit the spread of viruses by staying at home if you have flu-like symptoms, washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water, keeping your distance from vulnerable people if you’re unwell, and – of course – having your flu vaccine and Covid-19 booster.

“For anyone under the weather after New Year’s Eve celebrations, consider what you can do at home to self-care, including for common ailments like coughs, sore throats and diarrhoea.

“And while yellow weather warnings remain in place for heavy rain and high winds, please take extra care to avoid accidents on the road, as well as slips, trips and falls.

“We would like to thank staff and volunteers across Wales who have been doing their utmost to provide the best possible care to every single patient.”