Plans in place to minimise possible disruption by Storm Goretti
08 January 2026
Teams at Hywel Dda University Health Board have been working hard to prepare for Storm Goretti to ensure disruption to services are kept to a minimum.
Patients in the Hywel Dda area are being advised to attend appointments as scheduled on Friday, 9 January, if it is safe to do so. If any appointments are impacted by the weather, the Health Board will contact patients directly. If patients feel it is unsafe for them to travel to their appointment tomorrow, they are asked to contact the Health Board by phoning the department on the number included on their appointment letter.
There will be regular updates on Hywel Dda’s social media pages and website.
The Health Board is aiming to continue to support patients in the community and is working with partner organisations to ensure district nurses can attend appointments with patients who are being cared for at home. Patients who are most in need of being seen will be seen first.
Keith Jones, Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Director of Operational Planning and Performance said: “Our teams are working hard to make sure that we are prepared ahead of the anticipated storm, and this is something we do in preparation for all adverse weather events. We are reviewing our staffing levels and putting measures in place to support our essential services so that any potential disruption is kept to a minimum.
“Planning for such weather events can be challenging given the uncertainty about where and how Storm Goretti will impact on the Hywel Dda area. This is particularly the case given the potential for high winds, heavy rain and snow across different parts of west Wales. While the forecast suggests snow will have the greatest impact across the north of the Health Board area, we are making contingency plans across all our services.
“Demand for our hospital and community services remains very high and we are asking patients to think carefully before attending our Emergency Departments.
"As is common during the winter months, our healthcare system is under increased pressure as we respond to the increased number of people needing our support. Our staff are doing an incredible job, along with partner organisations and volunteers, in rising to this challenge and planning for the added complication of possible severe weather.”
The Health Board is asking everyone to help us to help you by seeking the most appropriate care for their needs. 111 is your best place to start unless it's an emergency - shortness of breath, heart attack, or stroke, when you call 999. For urgent 24/7 mental health support we are asking patient to please call NHS 111 and choose option 2.
For minor injuries, illnesses and ailments that need treatment today but are not life-threatening, we have a few services that can help. Please visit https://hduhb.nhs.wales/healthcare/hospitals-and-centres/minor-injury-units-miu (opens in new tab) for more information.
Many community pharmacies can also provide walk-in, common ailment or triage and treat services without an appointment. You can find out more here https://hduhb.nhs.wales/healthcare/services-and-teams/pharmacy (opens in new tab)
Guidance on staying safe during cold weather can be found on Public Health Wales’ website here: https://phw.nhs.wales/services-and-teams/environmental-public-health/weather-and-health1/cold-weather1 (opens in new tab)
ENDS