STAFF numbers have been "significantly increased" in A+E at the Maelor Hospital, as the health board prepares for winter. 

Ahead of the winter months, pressure on healthcare staff ramps up due to an increase in flu, illness and ability to discharge patients. 

At Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board's AGM in September it was said North Wales was in for a 'tough winter'. 

To try and combat those pressures, the health board is set to put a range of measures in place across Flintshire and Wrexham this winter. 

This includes increasing staff numbers at the Emergency Department at the Maelor. 

Adele Gittoes, Interim Executive Director of Operations for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “The winter months can be challenging for the NHS, especially urgent care services and the discharging of patients. To ease this pressure, we are putting a range of measures in place including supporting the national six goals for unplanned care in Wales which covers emergency and urgent care.   

"Our core message to the public is ‘help us to help you’ and please attend the most appropriate service for their healthcare needs including their local Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) in Mold and Holywell, pharmacy, GP and dental services. Community pharmacies can provide expert advice and guidance about treating common ailments, conditions and their symptoms.

“If you're unsure of where to go please contact NHS Wales 111 for advice or visit the Health Board’s website. The NHS Wales 111 Option 2 urgent mental health support is also now available for people to call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. See our Mental Health Hub for further information and mental health support resources.

“We also encourage everyone who has been invited for their vaccinations to please attend their appointment, this is one of the most important things people can do to help protect themselves this winter.

“We have significantly increased Wrexham Maelor Hospital's Emergency Department’s workforce, including the number of consultants in the department. We have also completed the expansion of the Emergency Department to create more consulting and treatment rooms for patients who need urgent care.

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“We have also recently extended the opening hours of the MIU in Mold Community Hospital, which is now open on Saturdays 8am-6pm and the MIU in Holywell Community Hospital is open seven days a week 8am-8pm.

"We are currently planning a Health Board Roadshow across North Wales to provide opportunities to hear from communities about what they feel works well in health care, and what they would like the Health Board to prioritise in the coming months and years. We will be sharing more details about these soon. 

“We will continue to share and signpost people to appropriate healthcare services throughout winter.”