Flintshire man speaks of 'ridiculous' 10-hour wait at Wrexham Maelor Hospital's A&E

Steve Rhys-Davies, aged 56 and from Shotton, told the Leader he had gone to the Maelor Hospital's emergency unit on Sunday morning with a bad foot.

Mr Rhys-Davies said he arrived at about 10.20 and was in triage within an hour - but was then told he could face a wait of ten hours or more to be seen further.

He said: "They told me that people who had been waiting for ten hours were just being seen then because there was a shortage of doctors. I asked how long it was likely to be for me and they said ten hours, or longer.

"I said I can't wait that long and I left. I'm not blaming the nurses, they have a lot to do.

"I have been to that emergency department a dozen times and I have never had to wait more than six hours, to be fair.

"But it seems to be getting worse. It was ridiculous.

"And if people turn up there with no money, they could be waiting for ten hours with nothing to eat or drink.

"Also remember they are now saying people in North Wales cannot use the Countess of Chester hospital - this is only going to add to the unacceptable waiting times."

Mr Rhys-Davis said that while he hadn't submitted an official complaint to Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, he intends to write to its chairman Mark Polin.

A spokesman for the health board said: "Our Emergency Department was exceptionally busy on Sunday, and we apologise to anyone who waited longer than they would have expected for treatment.

“People who visit our Emergency Department are prioritised based on the level of the care they need, and we continue to urge people to help us deliver the best care we can by choosing the right source of treatment to meet their needs.

“Information on the best source of treatment can be sought from NHS Direct Wales by calling 0845 46 47. Further advice on where to seek medical attention can be found on the Choose Well Wales website (www.choosewellwales.org.uk) or through the free Choose Well Wales app.”