'Emergency care in Wales is in a state of crisis,' says senior A&E doctor

A senior Welsh doctor has told ITV Wales that Accident & Emergency units across Wales are in a "state of crisis."

Dr Robin Roop, the vice president of Royal College of Emergency Medicine in Wales says patient safety is compromised and staff are struggling to cope with the intense demands.

In recent days, the NHS in England has been under the spotlight after the British Red Cross described the situation there as a "humanitarian crisis," but Dr Roop says that in some areas performance "is as bad, if not worse, as England."

Read more: A+E units across Wales under pressure after holidays

Hospitals across the country are facing pressures this winter, but tonight's comments are stronger than those usually made about the situation in Welsh emergency units at this time of year.

The Welsh Government says it does not agree with Dr Roop's comments.

The Welsh Government says it will continue to work with the Royal College of Emergency Medicine and health experts to improve the delivery of urgent and emergency care.

Shadow Health Secretary, Plaid Cymru's Rhyn ap Iowerth, says Wales's emergency departments find it difficult to cope with increases in demand as they are under strain all year.

Patients have been urged to seek appropriate care using the Choose Well guidelines or by calling NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.