At any time the levels of attendance at accident and emergency departments of acute hospitals are complex and difficult to predict with any degree of accuracy and in this regard all accident and emergency departments experience periods of exceptional demand. Although delays are unavoidable during such periods appropriate medical treatment is provided at all times.
It is the responsibility of each health agency to ensure that adequate arrangements are in place to meet any additional demand for health services, including accident and emergency services, over the millennium period.
The overall strategy being employed by health boards over the millennium period is to provide appropriate levels of services at primary care and community care level and thereby avoid unnecessary demands on the accident and emergency departments.