Health board provides update on coronavirus outbreaks at North Wales hospitals

The health board for North Wales has provided an update on coronavirus outbreaks at North Wales hospitals.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is currently managing outbreaks of the virus at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Colwyn Bay Hospital and Llandudno Hospital.

It has led to tighter visiting restrictions being brought in to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Gill Harris, executive director of nursing and midwifery, said: “As of this morning, we are caring for 23 patients in the west area who are currently Covid-19 positive and 22 patients who are recovering who have had Covid-19.

“A small number of these patients are confirmed hospital acquired infection and linked to the outbreak.

“The ward affected by the outbreak at Ysbyty Eryri has now reopened to admissions and we are confident the situation is improving at Ysbyty Gwynedd.

“In the central area we have 59 patients who are currently Covid-19 positive and 12 patients who are recovering who have had Covid-19.

“A small number of these patients are confirmed hospital acquired infection and linked to the outbreak.

“Due to the high community Covid-19 transmission rate we ask that when the public visit us for an appointment or treatment they wear one of our fluid resistant surgical masks which are available at entrances into our healthcare settings and use the available hand sanitiser as often as possible.

“Tighter visiting restrictions remain in place at the affected hospitals, this decision does not impact visiting guidelines for our our maternity, paediatrics and neonatal services or wards at Ysbyty Gwynedd and Glan Clwyd Hospital.

“Exceptional visiting requests such as visiting a relative who are at end of life must be made directly with the ward and will be require an individual risk assessment to be completed both in advance of and on arrival of an agreed visit so that we can keep patients, staff and visitors safe.”

Anyone with concerns is asked to contact the health board’s patient advice and liaison service by phoning 03000 851234 Monday to Friday between 9am – 5pm or emailing BCU.PALS@wales.nhs.uk