Extra Covid-19 restrictions in two hospitals
COVID19 restrictions have been brought into force at two Carmarthenshire hospitals with levels of the virus rising.
Hywel Dda University Health Board has halted visits to all inpatient wards at Carmarthen’s Glangwili Hospital, except for end-of-life visits or visits considered necessary by prior agreement with the ward nurse of charge nurse.
People attending an outpatient appointment are also requested to attend alone unless they require the support of a carer, relative or parent.
Mask wearing is also mandatory (unless you are exempt) and this has also been put into force at Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli. Visiting restrictions have has also been introduced for the Glangwili’s maternity, paediatrics and neonatal units.
The health board said steps have been taken following the “prevalence of Covid-19 in the community.”
Mandy Rayani, director of nursing, quality and patient experience, said: “We have made the decision to reinforce these measures at Glangwili Hospital in addition to Withybush Hospital to reduce the risk to our patients and staff and thank people for their support and cooperation at this time.
“The situation at Glangwili and Withybush hospitals will be reviewed and updated early next week, lifting of these restrictions will be dependent on hospital case numbers and community activity.
“We can all continue to take protective measures to reduce the risk of transmission of Covid-19 to protect vulnerable people and the NHS.”
Ms Rayani added: “Wearing a surgical mask or face covering and keeping a physical distance when attending a hospital or medical facility will help protect our most vulnerable patients and service users.
“We are grateful for the ongoing support and efforts of our communities to stop the spread, particularly around more vulnerable people.
“These measures will be continually reviewed, and as soon as it is safe to do so, we will ease these restrictions.”
The health board is stressing the continued importance of the behaviours known to reduce transmission of Covid-19 and other infectious diseases, and the different requirements in place in health and social care settings.
Ms Rayani, added: “Isolating if we have symptoms of Covid-19, or other infectious diseases, is one of the most important things we can do to prevent the onward spread and break the chain of transmission.
“We strongly encourage anyone in our locality who has the classic symptoms, or who suspects they may have Covid-19 to isolate and take a lateral flow test.
“If positive, we urge people to continue with the same isolation guidance that has been in place, this will help you to rest and recover and protect others from risk of transmission.”