22 being treated in an outbreak linked to hospitals

MORE than 20 people are being treated for Covid-19 as part of an outbreak linked to hospitals.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board confirmed there are now 22 patients across North Wales being treated for the virus as part of the outbreak associated with hospitals in the central region. That is one more case compared to the figures reported last Friday.

The hospitals in the central region include Glan Clwyd Hospital and Colwyn Bay and Llandudno Hospitals.

The health board said 13 of those being treated have received care for more than 15 days and are recovering. That figure compares to nine the previous week.

Debra Hickman, Acting Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said cases at Ysbyty Gwynedd, the Wrexham Maelor and community hospitals in the east and west area “remain low”.

“We must not let this lull us into a false sense of security,” she said.

“We know there is a two-week time lag between a rise in community cases and hospital admissions.”

Ms Hickman said “everyone has a role to play” in controlling the spread of the virus.

“Please help us to continue to reduce the risk of transmission by only visiting our hospitals if it is necessary,” she added.

“Supporting vulnerable family or friends, or accessing healthcare services, remain the only reasons anyone other than staff should be accessing the site.”

She added it is also important that people still attend planned appointments, unless they’re told otherwise. Patients attending minor injury units at Llandudno Hospital, Denbigh Hospital and Holywell Hospital are now being asked to call ahead to help manage demand.