A significant increase in cases of Covid-19 across North Wales has resulted in over 200 Covid positive patients across hospital sites in the region.

 

 

Gill Harris, Executive Director of Nursing & Midwifery for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “We are seeing a marked increase in cases of COVID-19 across North Wales and this is resulting in more patients with the virus in our hospitals.

“As our hospitals come under increasing pressure, keeping staff and patients safe from infection becomes much more challenging.

“We currently have over 200 COVID-19 positive patients across our three acute hospitals and within our community hospitals. This creates additional challenges for us both in terms of patients admitted with the virus, staff sickness and the potential for transmission within our hospitals.

“Thankfully, the majority of our patients with the virus are not becoming seriously ill and this is due to the high rate of vaccination within our population. However, the door is always open for those who have yet to come forward for their first, second or booster dose. Those eligible can attend any of our drop-in clinics, where they will receive a warm welcome from our staff who will take the time to discuss any concerns you have.

“At this time, please think long and hard about whether a trip to one of our hospitals is absolutely necessary. Visiting on our wards remains restricted except for some limited circumstances, as detailed on our website.

“Supporting vulnerable family or friends, or accessing healthcare services, remain the only reasons anyone other than staff should be accessing the site. Routine services are continuing and patients should continue to attend appointments unless they are told otherwise.”

There are ways you can help us:

  • When you are visiting us in hospital please observe social distancing, wear a surgical face mask provided on arrival and wash hands frequently
  • If you feel unwell and it is not a medical emergency, you could be seen and treated quicker at your local pharmacy or minor injury unit. Our website can guide you to choose the most appropriate service for where you live.
  • If you are unsure what help you may need, please use the 111 symptom checker in the first instance – NHS 111 Wales – Check Your Symptoms – or call 111
  • If you have symptoms of COVID-19 stay at home and take a test and if positive isolate for a minimum of five days (you can take an LFD test on days 5 an 6 and if both are negative you can leave isolation, otherwise isolation ends after