17 March 2026
Carol Shillabeer, Chief Executive at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “We recognise that too many patients are waiting longer than they should in our Emergency Departments, and that this can be distressing for patients, their families and for the staff who want to provide care in the right environment. Providing care with dignity, compassion and respect is fundamental to us, and we fully recognise the anxiety and upset caused when patients are treated in corridor areas.
“Like NHS organisations across the United Kingdom, we are experiencing both significant demand for urgent and emergency care and challenges in the timely discharge of inpatients from hospital. At times, this means some patients wait longer to be seen, receive treatment and be admitted. Unfortunately, some patients are cared for in non-designated or corridor spaces. We have put in additional clinical oversight to help ensure patient safety however we know this can be a distressing experience for patients, their families and our staff. We are very sorry to anyone who has experienced long waits or received care in these circumstances.
“Improving patient experience in our Emergency Departments, and supporting our staff to provide the best care possible, is the top priority for the Board. Working closely with our local authority partners, we are implementing a significant programme of improvement across the health and social care system to improve the flow of patients through our hospitals, include safe discharge. We are also learning from best practice with a team of external experts working within the health board bringing experience from across the UK.
“Despite challenging circumstances, staff in our Emergency Departments and right across the Health Board provide expert emergency care day in, day out, 24 hours a day. We know that the vast majority of the public respect and support them to do this really important work.”