MORE than 2,000 patients in a hospital's emergency department were helped by the British Red Cross as part of a scheme to ease pressures on the health service.

Staff and volunteers from the charity helped 8,961 patients at seven hospitals in Wales between December 17 and January 16.

A total of 2,870 patients were supported at Glan Clwyd Hospital in Bodelwyddan. This was the highest figure recorded in the list of hospitals helped.

The support in emergency departments is to continue until the end of March.

As part of the service, put in place as part of the Welsh Government’s £20m integrated winter delivery plan, the Red Cross have helped patients and family members with non-medical assistance, collected medication, equipment and test results and have accompanied patients to hospital departments, such as X-ray, and have offered emotional support to the bereaved.

Transport from hospital and resettlement at home has also been provided for 153 patients.

Red Cross staff and volunteers provide non-medical support so health professionals can focus on patients’ clinical needs.

Kate Griffiths, director of the British Red Cross in Wales, said: "It is hugely satisfying to see that, in our first month of providing these services, we have already been able to support thousands of patients across Wales.

"We are already enjoying brilliant relationships with hospital staff across the seven emergency departments and the response to our work from patients and medical professionals has been excellent.

"By working alongside and supporting hard-working nurses and doctors, we can help to allow them to focus on delivering first-class medical care to patients.”

As well as Glan Clwyd Hospital, the charity has been operating in emergency department support services at Glangwili General Hospital in Carmarthen, Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport, Withybush General Hospital in Haverfordwest, Wrexham Maelor Hospital and University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.

Wrexham helped 2,532 patients. The lowest number of patients helped was in Bridgend with 404.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) were approached for comment.