Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) has asked relatives to “carefully consider whether they really need to visit loved ones in hospital”.

The message comes as a result of the omicron variant, which has caused cases of coronavirus to surge across the region.

 

In the BCUHB area the seven day average (as of 31 December) is 1,293 cases per 100,000 the highest level since the start of the pandemic. Over 500 members of staff have also tested positive during the last seven days and the Health Board fear this could seriously impact on their ability to provide planned and emergency care in the coming weeks.

In December the North Wales new visiting guidelines were introduced requiring anyone visiting the hospital to show proof of a negative lateral flow test before entry.

A spokesperson for BCUHB said: “Our official visiting guidance remains unchanged for now, but we are asking relatives to carefully consider whether they really need to visit loved ones in our hospitals.

“The highly transmissible Omicron variant of COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in communities across North Wales and many people can be carrying the virus without displaying symptoms. This poses a significant risk to patients in our hospitals, some of whom are very vulnerable to infection or immuno-compromised.

“While we realise how important visiting can be for both patients and relatives, we urge people to think carefully about whether visiting a loved one in our hospitals is absolutely necessary.”

Guidelines for Hospital Visiting in North Wales:

  • All visitors will be required to show evidence of a negative lateral flow test result (SMS, e-mail message or screenshot) and complete a screening questionnaire including a temperature check before entry
  • Visitors are not permitted in areas whereby there are suspected or confirmed cases of COVID 19 (except in exceptional circumstances”
  • Check with the Ward / Department for visiting availability and times
  • Visiting remains restricted to 1 identified visitor per patient (except in exceptional circumstances outlined above as agreed with the Nurse in Charge)
  • Visiting is limited to 1 hour (except in exceptional circumstances outlined above as agreed with the Nurse in Charge) at the discretion of the Ward
  • Manager and some visits may need to be cut short or cancelled
  • Visits will be by appointment with the Ward / Department directly and adhere to approved safe numbers for each specific area

Exceptional circumstances for inpatient visiting

  • Patient receiving end-of-life care in the last days of life
  • A familiar carer/parent or guardian/supporter/personal assistant to assist in care provision as agreed with ward/department
  • Both parents/guardians where the family bubble can be maintained in Paediatric and Neonatal wards / units
  • Patients may be accompanied where appropriate and it is necessary to assist their communication and/or to meet their health, emotional, religious or spiritual care needs as agreed with ward/department

Additional Paediatric and Neonatal services Visiting Guidance

  • Parents / Guardians are not permitted in areas whereby there are suspected or confirmed cases of COVID 19 (except in exceptional circumstances)
  • Please check with the Ward / Department for visiting availability and times
  • Both Parents can visit together where a family bubble can be maintained
  • Visiting is limited to 1 hour (except in exceptional circumstances outlined above as agreed with the Nurse in Charge) at the discretion of the
  • Ward Manager and some visits may need to be cut short or cancelled
  • Visits will be by appointment with the Ward / Department directly and adhere to approved safe numbers for each specific area

For full visiting guidance visit: https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/hospital-information/hospital-visiting1/general-visiting/