Health board confirms Covid-19 outbreaks at two North Wales hospital sites

A health board has confirmed Covid-19 outbreaks at two North Wales hospital sites.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has said it currently dealing with outbreaks on two medical wards at Ysbyty Gwynedd and a ward at Ysbyty Eryri in Caernarfon.

As of this morning, a total of 34 patients with Covid-19 were being cared for across both sites, of which 14 patients are confirmed to have acquired the infection in hospitala.

Gill Harris, the health board’s executive director of nursing and midwifery, said: “A programme of staff and patient testing is underway and our priority is to bring this outbreak to a close as soon as possible.

“All patients who have tested positive are being appropriately isolated and the wards affected are currently closed to admissions and visitors.

“In recent weeks, cases of COVID-19 have continued to increase in our community and we have seen a rise in the number of patients admitted to our hospitals needing treatment due to contracting the virus.

“This is a timely reminder that the virus has not gone away and we would urge anyone who has not received their vaccination to visit our website to book an appointment or visit one of our drop in clinics.

“As well as an increase in patients needing treatment for COVID-19, we are experiencing significant pressure within our Emergency Departments. We are seeing patients who are extremely poorly, many of who are elderly.

“Please help us by choosing the right place to receive advice and care to ensure that our hospitals are not overwhelmed and enable us to provide timely treatment for patients most in need.

“Please choose well and consider your local pharmacy, your GP, or a Minor Injury Unit and call NHS 111 for advice.

“Only attend our hospital sites if it is absolutely necessary to help us reduce the risk of infection. Visiting arrangements must be made directly with the ward. An individual risk assessment must be completed both in advance of and on arrival of an agreed visit in order to keep patients, staff and visitors safe.

“Patients should also continue to attend appointments and planned surgery unless they are told otherwise.”

Anyone with concerns is asked to contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service by telephoning 03000 851234 Monday to Friday between 9am – 5pm or emailing BCU.PALS@wales.nhs.uk

Responding to news of the outbreaks, Arfon MS Sian Gwenllian said: “These latest hospital outbreaks are a terrible reminder that COVID is not gone, and great care is still needed.

“This is of particular concern given the backlog that we know that every hospital is facing, and the increased pressure from so many visitors to tourist areas such as north west Wales.

“Across Wales, cases are rising and we’re starting to see a corresponding increase in hospital transmission. It’s vitally important that Welsh Government continues its outreach programme to ensure as many people as possible receive the vaccine.”