As is common across the NHS during the winter months, hospitals within Hywel Dda Health Board have experienced a large increase in the number of patients needing emergency care.

Hospitals in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire have all recently reported extreme pressure due to the number of emergency patients who require hospital admission.

These very sick patients must be priority and so the decision has been made with careful consideration to reschedule some elective (planned) surgeries at Bronglais, Glangwili, Prince Philip and Withybush Hospitals.

Affected patients will be contacted at the earliest opportunity and every effort will be made to rebook their surgery as soon as possible.

All cancer related or urgent cases will not be affected and emergency surgery will continue.

Dr Sue Fish, medical director, said: "Every effort has been made and will continue to be made to minimise delays for planned surgery. In addition to providing extra beds on wards and within critical care facilities, we are also transferring staff from non-acute areas to support the surge in activity.

"We are very grateful for people's understanding as our staff work exceptionally hard under pressure to care for our patients, for which we cannot thank them enough. We continue to review, and make decisions, on a daily basis."

Mr. Jeremy Williams, chair of Hywel Dda's unscheduled care programme board, and emergency consultant, said: "It is very important that members of the public only come to an emergency department if they really do need emergency care that can't be provided anywhere else. At Hywel Dda we fully support the message behind the Choose Well campaign which reminds people how best to access the services that they need, such as GPs and community pharmacists. People need to think if attending an emergency department really is the best option for them or if they can receive more appropriate care in these other ways."

Self care - for the treatment of minor illnesses, by combining a well stocked medicine cabinet with plenty of rest.

Advice - NHS Direct Wales can help with any health questions, around the clock, and help find local services. You can phone the helpline on 0845 46 47 or visit the website http://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk">www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk

Community support - Your local pharmacist can give you expert advice and support on common illnesses and any medicine you may need without booking an appointment. A local voluntary organisation may be able to provide the help that you need such as a support group or extra care.

Routine care - Make an appointment with your local GP when you have an illness or injury that isn't an emergency. Choosing well means that you get the treatment you need at a convenient time and reduces the demand on emergency services.

Urgent care - If you need urgent health care for your physical and mental health, phone your GP surgery or the GP out of hours service. There may be a minor injuries unit you could go to.

Emergencies or 999 - for critical or life-threatening situations.

If in doubt which option is most appropriate, contact NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47, but in an emergency life-threatening situation always call 999.