Over 2,000 who caught Covid in Welsh hospitals went on to die within 28 days
MORE than 2,000 patients in Wales who caught coronavirus in hospital went on to die within 28 days, new data has revealed.
Public Health Wales (PHW) figures show that there have been at least 8,243 cases of patients “probably” or “definitely” catching Covid in Welsh hospitals since the start of the pandemic.
It found that 2,216 (27%) of them died within 28 days, however it must be noted that these people may not have died as a result of the virus itself having been admitted for other reasons.
PHW data, obtained by BBC Wales, also revealed that the percentage of people dying with Covid in hospital is decreasing.
During the first wave a third (33%) of patients who probably or definitely caught Covid in hospital died within 28 days of a positive test.
However, that figure fell to 27% in the second wave and currently stands at 14% in the third wave.
The statistics do not set out how many of the deaths were primarily caused by the virus, in how many Covid was an aggravating factor, or how many deaths were caused by other factors.
Hospital-acquired infections were a significant problem during the pandemic in Wales, with hospitals in both the north and south of the country reporting significant outbreaks.
The Welsh Government said all cases of Covid-19 contracted in hospital are being thoroughly investigated as required by the “Putting Things Right” process.
Wales is also the only part of the UK to collect and record all incidences of hospital infections, using a system called ICNET.
“Coronavirus is a highly-transmissible virus, particularly in closed settings such as hospitals,”
said a Welsh Government spokeswoman.
“Our NHS has worked hard to ensure people admitted to hospital are protected from Covid-19, but despite introducing very robust infection control measures and a stringent testing regime, unfortunately this has not prevented some people from contracting Covid-19 while in hospital and, very sadly, some have died.
“NHS Wales has followed the UK infection prevention and control guidance which has been regularly updated as we have learned more about coronavirus and how it spreads, including about how people can spread the virus without showing any symptoms.
“Guidance has also been issued to the NHS and regularly updated about social distancing, bed spacing, staff and patient testing and mask wearing. Multiple checks have been undertaken by health boards, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales and the Health and Safety Executive
“The NHS continues to provide services for patients with Covid-19 as well as those needing to access other essential services. Health boards have created separate areas in hospitals to help protect patients and staff and to ensure the environment is as safe as possible.”
In October the UK Government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) recommended a “renewed emphasis” on measures to reduce infection spread in hospital.
It included continuing to focus on the use of ventilation and face masks and consistently testing healthcare workers across the sector.
But in Wales people continue to catch coronavirus in hospital, with 76 cases of “probable” or “definite” hospital-acquired infection occurring in the week ending November 14.