POWYS Teaching Health Board (PTHB) has become the fifth in Wales to warn of “extreme pressures” across its health and social care systems, amid rising concerns that the NHS is on a knife-edge in terms of its ability to cope.

PTHB is the local health board of NHS Wales for Powys and has warned that rising Covid-19 numbers, high demand for services and ongoing challenges with workforce sickness are all contributing factors that are pushing the system to breaking point.

It has warned its health and care system will need to take additional steps to prioritise emergency care and maintain safe services for patients.

PTHB made the announcement earlier today (January 3) and comes after Betsi Cadwaladr health board in North Wales – the nation’s largest – declared a critical incident.

Powys is now the fifth health board to report extreme pressure across its systems following Hywel Dda, Swansea Bay and Cwm Taf.

South Wales Guardian: Carl Cooper, the new chair of Powys Teaching Health Board, who took over last September Carl Cooper, the new chair of Powys Teaching Health Board, who took over last September

“Health and care services across Wales and the West Midlands are under extreme pressure. We recognise that this can be a source of anxiety for people seeking urgent care advice and support,” said PTHB in a statement on its website.

“Health and care leaders are urging people to do their bit to help support services by choosing the best service for their needs if they are ill or injured during this busy period.

“Rising Covid-19 numbers, high demand for services and ongoing challenges with workforce sickness are all contributing to pressure on the system. As a result, the health and care system will need to take additional steps to prioritise emergency care and maintain safe services for patients.

“Patients with the highest level of need will be prioritised, this could mean that some non-urgent services are postponed or rescheduled. Please continue to attend your appointment as usual unless you are contacted to rearrange.

“Powys residents access their acute hospital services from neighbouring health boards in Wales and neighbouring trusts in England. All hospitals are appealing to local communities to only come to A&E for life threatening conditions and injuries.

“We urge you not to call 999 or attend A&E unless it’s an emergency. NHS 111 Wales online can help you find where to get help and support.

“Local pharmacists are a great place to start for minor ailments and self-care advice. Through the Common Ailments Scheme you can get advice and treatment for a range of common ailments without having to make a GP appointment.

“The health board’s Minor Injury Units located in Brecon, Llandrindod Wells, Welshpool and Ystradgynlais can help give advice and treatment for a variety of minor injuries such as sprains and strains.

“Please phone first if you can so that our expert nurses can provide you with advice over the telephone, book an appointment if needed, or refer you to another service if appropriate. Drop in is available for people who are unable to use the telephone to contact us.

“If you have a relative or loved one in hospital who is well enough to go home but is waiting to be discharged with homecare and community health support, you may be able to help them get home quicker if you and your family can support them at home.

“We are working extremely hard to ensure people are kept safe and would like to reassure the public that despite the challenges faced, our services remain open for anyone who needs them. Please help us to help you and those you love.”

Darren Hughes, director of the Welsh NHS Confederation, said on Tuesday the NHS is on a knife-edge in terms of its ability to cope.

The body represents all Welsh NHS organisations, and his comments came as Betsi Cadwaladr declared a critical incident.

On December 13, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, which covers Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf, and Bridgend, warned its emergency departments were under “extreme pressure” with long waits possible.

Days later, Betsi Cadwaladr declared a “critical incident” due to unprecedented demand on NHS services. Gill Harris, interim chief executive of Betsi Cadwaladr UHB, said the health board is “struggling to cope with the prolonged, significant demand on the health system in North Wales”.

It said all routine appointments would be postponed and there would be long waits for emergency care.

Aneurin Bevan Health Board, covering Gwent, has said it is currently at red level (defined as extreme pressures) due to demand across all its sites and services.