THE festive period is a time for relaxation and catching up with friends and relatives for most but the emergency services are preparing for one of the busiest nights of the year.

New Years Eve is a time to get together and spend time going into the new year with people closest to you, but the health board have provided safety advice to those may be going out for this celebration.

A spokesperson from Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, said: “We always advise people to drink responsibly, but during the festive and New Year celebrations we urge everyone to drink in moderation to avoid alcohol-related accidents or injuries.

“The last place anyone wants to end up at this time of year is in our Emergency Department instead of celebrating with loved ones.

“Please take extra care to avoid arguments or fights and remember that drinking can increase the risk of falls and other serious injuries.

“Never drive if you’ve had any alcohol, even a small amount can impair your judgement and put lives at risk.

“Although we have plans in place to ensure safe staffing levels, celebrating safely and drinking responsibly can go a long way to reduce pressure on our extremely busy services and on our staff, who have given up time with their families to care for patients this New Year.”