Mounting death toll following outbreak at Royal Glam hospital
A TOTAL of 43 people have now died with coronavirus after an outbreak at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital.
It means a further 11 people have died at the hospital after contracting Covid-19 since the last figures were released on October 14.
Overall, there are now 159 coronavirus cases linked to the outbreak at the Llantrisant site, a statement from Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board confirmed. This is up nine from last Wednesday.
Case numbers include those where cases are “confirmed, probable, and indeterminate” hospital-transmitted cases.
The hospital is now accepting patients who dial 999 and require an emergency hospital admission after services were temporarily suspended. Surgery and other planned treatments are also restarting in a phased manner.
Elsewhere within the health board area, two further deaths linked with Covid-19 and 20 new cases have been recorded at the Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil. This brings the total number of deaths linked to an outbreak there to six and the cases to 41.
There have also been 40 Covid19 cases linked to the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend and eight deaths according to the latest figures – up from 25 cases and two deaths on October 14.
Ysbyty Cwm Rhondda has seen 25 cases and no deaths and Maesteg Hospital has seen 19 Covid-19 cases with an unconfirmed number of deaths.
A helpline has now been set up for anyone who has concerns about the coronavirus outbreaks across the health board. Members of the public can call 01685 726464 between 9am and 4.30pm from Monday to Friday.
Dr Nick Lyons, medical director for Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, said: “We are now seeing the beginnings of the positive impact of the mitigating actions we are taking to contain the virus at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital site. We are taking positive steps in reinstating emergency admissions to the hospital and reintroducing elective surgeries in a phased way, which will keep patients and our staff safe.
“We apologise for the concern that these cases have caused for families and our communities.
“As infection rates continue to rise in our communities and we head into another period of lockdown, we are appealing to all members of the public to take seriously their responsibilities by ensuring their behaviour does not contribute to the further spread of Covid-19. We remain grateful to all members of our community who are continuing to adhere to the guidance in order to help control this virus.”
To relive pressure at hospital sites, the health board is reminding people that the Emergency Department is for emergency cases only and is asking patients to consider suitable alternative services such as the NHS 111 Wales website, minor injury units, pharmacies and GP services.