EXPECT long delays at the emergency department at Hereford County Hospital as the service remains under severe pressure. 

The number of patients attending the department has led to the Wye Valley NHS Trust to issue a warning about the wait and to ask all health and care leaders to help prevent hospital admissions. 

Jon Barnes, chief operating officer at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “We have continued to experience significant demand on our emergency department service and patients being admitted to our hospitals during the last few weeks.  

“We have had to postpone around 35 operations this week and more than 1,000 patients have attended the Emergency Department since Good Friday.

“Our emergency department staff are having to prioritise patients to ensure those who need urgent care are treated quickly, which means those with minor ailments are having to wait longer."

He said the trust wishes to apologise for any delays patients face. 

He added: "We have put in place additional measures to assist the trust in managing this high demand, as part of our standard procedures, which includes providing extra staff in the emergency department and other areas of the hospital during this period."

Residents can help to ease the pressure on the county's hospital services by choosing the right NHS services for their health need. 

If you need advice regarding a minor illness or injury, visit your local pharmacy, Herefordshire’s Walk-In centre, GP Surgery, extended hours GP services or minor injury units, during opening hours.  For non-emergency medical guidance call NHS 111, which is available 24 hours a day.

NHS alternatives:

  • Telephoning NHS 111
  • Visiting the Herefordshire Walk-In Centre, by ASDA, Belmont Road, Hereford, which is open 8am- 8pm
  • Attending the Ledbury Community Health and Care Centre Minor Injury Unit which is open 24- hours-a-day, or Leominster Community Hospital and Ross Community Hospital Minor Injury Units which are open from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday only
  • Visiting Kington Health and Social Care Centre Minor Injury Unit which is open from 8am to 8pm
  • Using the Taurus extended hours GP services at Wargrave House Surgery, St Owen Street, Hereford; The Marches Surgery, Westfield Walk, Leominster; and Pendeen Surgery, Kent Avenue, Ross on Wye, which are available from 8am to 8pm on Saturdays and Sundays.  Visit www.taurushealthcare.co.uk (7 day access)
  • Seek advice from your local pharmacy.  For more information on local health services, visit www.nhs.uk