MORE VISITING RESTRICTIONS AT HOSPITALS
“Due to the growing numbers of positive patients, both in our hospitals and in our communities, we have therefore taken the decision to further restrict access into our hospitals. This will come into effect immediately
NURSING DIRECTOR GILL HARRIS
ASECOND Welsh health board has restricted access into its hospitals following a rise in positive Covid-19 cases. Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in North Wales is the second hospital group to make the decision, following Cwm Taf Morgannwg’s decision on Thursday.
The health board said the decision was down to transmission rates within the community, positive Covid-19 admission numbers to hospitals and outbreaks within the hospital.
Effective immediately, all patients attending outpatient appointments, or the A&E department, should do so alone – unless the patient requires a carer or parent due to learning difficulties, is experiencing mental health difficulties, or is unable to communicate.
Exceptions will be made for patients receiving end-of-life care. However, bosses say these cases will be dealt with on an individual basis, “requiring individual risk assessments completed in advance of and on the arrival of agreed visits”.
The visitation rules affect the following hospitals:
■ Ysbyty Gwynedd
■ Ysbyty Eryri
■ Ysbyty Glan Clwyd
■ Bodelwyddan
■ Ysbyty Llandudno
However, the new guidelines will not impact the existing visiting rules in maternity, paediatrics and neonatal services, or wards at Ysbyty Gwynedd and Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.
Nursing director Gill Harris said: “We are continuing to manage Covid-19 outbreaks at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor; Ysbyty Eryri, Caernarfon; Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan and Ysbyty Llandudno.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, our visiting guidance has been kept under close review and is informed by community Covid-19 transmission rates, hospital Covid-19 admission numbers and hospital outbreaks.
“Due to the growing numbers of positive patients, both in our hospitals and in our communities, we have therefore taken the decision to further restrict access into our hospitals. This will come into effect immediately.
“Entering the hospitals named above will only be permitted if it is absolutely necessary, such as attending an outpatient appointment or if you require emergency treatment.
“This decision will not impact the visiting guidelines in place for our maternity, paediatrics and neonatal services or wards at Ysbyty Gwynedd and Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.
“Exceptional visiting requests such as visiting a relative at end of life must be made directly with the ward and will require an individual risk assessment to be completed both in advance of and on arrival of an agreed visit so that we can keep patients, staff and visitors safe.
“All patients attending outpatient appointments or the emergency department should do so alone – unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as a patient requiring a carer or parent, having learning difficulties, experiencing mental health difficulties, or being unable to communicate.
“We understand how difficult not being able to visit loved ones can be and we are sorry that we have had to take this step.
“We have free Wifi across our hospitals and family and friends are encouraged to keep in contact during this time using online technology.
“We understand how difficult these visiting restrictions will be for families, but please support us to minimise the impact of the virus and keep everyone safe.”
■ Anyone with concerns can contact Patient Advice and Liaison Service by telephoning 03000 851234 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm or emailing bcu. pals@wales.nhs.uk