MANY outpatient services have been cancelled at the two main hospitals in Cardiff today due "to extreme pressures on services".

Both University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff and the University Hospital Llandough have ahd to to cancel and rearrange "a number of elective and outpatient activities".

Alice Casey, Chief Operating Officer at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said: “Due to extreme pressures on our services Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has taken a number of extraordinary measures today in order to safely manage patient care.

“All available staff are being directed to help manage this situation unfortunately it has been necessary to cancel and rearrange a number of elective and outpatient activities.

“As such non-urgent outpatient appointments at the University Hospital of Wales and University Hospital Llandough are cancelled today with the exception of cardiac, dermatology, haematology, mental health clinics, ophthalmology, dental, children’s clinics, thoracic and fracture clinics.

“Those patients receiving care on a day-care basis in haematology, rheumatology, children’s, cardiac and neurology will continue as planned.

“Patients are being contacted to inform them wherever possible but the Health Board are asking any patients who are unsure about their situation to contact 02920 748181 for help. All appointments will be re-arranged as soon as possible.”