Bacteria lead to £2m ward refurb

A GROUP of bacteria have colonised a hospital ward in Swansea to such an extent that a £2m refurbishment is being recommended to get rid of them.

The bacteria are called carbapenemase-producing organisms, or CPO. They are naturally found in the gut but have become resistant to a number of antibiotics.

A report before Swansea Bay University Health Board said Ward G at Morriston Hospital, which cares for patients with complex gastrointestinal conditions before and after surgery, has has had a CPO outbreak since September 2019.

The report said patients with a positive CPO diagnosis may not suffer any significant ill-effects, but that the ward has been having to manage with a limited patient flow and an increased risk of spread.

A deep clean of Ward G has taken place, but it did not eradicate the bacteria and further spread has occurred.

Health board chiefs have previously considered remedial actions, including the most expensive one which is being recommended again, but the pandemic prevented work from going ahead.

The board will be asked to confirm approval of the £2m refurbishment scheme, which has been refined, when it meets on May 27.

A business case recommending the refurbishment said the ward was outdated, and that patients’ privacy and dignity was limited.

The overhaul would reduce the number of beds by up to six, and the ward would have to be vacated and deep cleaned prior to work starting. Fire protection improvements would also be made.