Visiting restricted at Ysbyty Gwynedd due to rise in infections

Visiting hours at Ysbyty Gwynedd have been restricted following a rise in infections at the Bangor hospital.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) has taken the decision with immediate effect as cases of C.diff, Covid-19 and Norovirus within the hospital have risen.

The decision will not impact the guidelines in place for maternity, paediatrics, cancer and neonatal services.

The health board said exceptional visiting requests, such as visiting a relative who is at the end of their life, must be made directly with the ward and will require an individual risk assessment to be completed ahead of the visit.

Visiting at community hospitals in Anglesey and Gwynedd will be dependent on individual wards.

Officials have asked for people to contact the relevant ward in the first instance to check what restrictions are in place.

Patients with planned appointments are asked to attend as normal and the hospital’s emergency department remains open for those who need urgent treatment.

Nicola McLardie, associate director of nursing for the west area of north Wales, said: “We understand that families and friends want to visit loved ones, but we need to put these actions in place to minimise the chances of any infections spreading.

“We do everything we can to prevent and control infection and these restrictions are necessary for us to continue to provide patients with the best possible care.

“We are reviewing the situation on a regular basis and normal visiting arrangements will be resumed as soon as possible.”