Hospital reopens after virus outbreak

A COMMUNITY hospital in Llandovery has reopened, just over a month since it was forced to relocate patients to another site 20 miles away after a number of people, including nurses, tested positive for Covid-19.

Hywel Dda University Health Board (HDUHB) took the decision to move patients from Llandovery Community Hospital to Amman Valley Hospital in Glanaman at the start of December.

The temporary move was made after consultation with community stakeholders including local GPS, the community health council and elected officials following what was described as an “urgent situation” that was affecting the workforce.

HDUHB has confirmed that Llandovery Hospital is beginning to take patients again and will take more next month.

Since the closure, the health board said it had worked hard to undertake significant remedial works at the hospital to improve the environment, including repairs and refurbishments to walls and flooring.

The site also underwent a deep clean, which has allowed the hospital to be reopened as a Covid-19free facility.

Jill Paterson, director of primary care, community and long-term care at HDUHB, said: “The closure of Llandovery Community Hospital was always intended to be a temporary measure, so I am delighted to be able to announce its reopening.

“While we have successfully completed remedial works, there are further essential works required, which is why the hospital has initially reopened with eight beds, with a further three beds due to open in early February.

“I would like to thank the community for its understanding and continued support. I want to assure the public that we are working hard to deliver safe and optimal care for all our patients.”