Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board has confirmed it is managing a Covid-19 outbreak on two wards at Ysbyty Gwynedd and one at Ysbyty Eryri in Caernarfon.
The Health Board said it was caring for 34 patients with Covid-19 infections across both sites, 14 of which are have confirmed hospital-acquired infections.
Affected patients are being isolated and wards are currently closed while visiting remains restricted.
Gill Harris, Executive Director of Nursing & Midwifery at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “We are currently managing a COVID-19 outbreak on two medical wards at Ysbyty Gwynedd and a ward at Ysbyty Eryri in Caernarfon.
“As of this morning, we are caring for 34 patients with COVID-19 infection across both sites, of which we currently have 14 patients which are confirmed hospital acquired infection.
“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.”
Responding to news that Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board are currently dealing with outbreaks of COVID-19 in Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor and Ysbyty Eryri in Caernarfon, Sian Gwenllian, Plaid Cymru Member of Senedd for Arfon, 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.”
For any concerns please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service by telephoning 03000 851234 Monday to Friday between 9am – 5pm or emailing BCU.PALS@wales.nhs.uk
