Health board gives update on coronavirus outbreak at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor

On Tuesday, March 2, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) said they were providing care to 39 patients [in connection to the Covid-19 outbreak].

Mandy Jones, nursing director at Ysbyty Gwynedd, said: “We continue to investigate each case and take appropriate action to prevent the spread of the virus.

“All patients with suspected or confirmed cases of Covid-19 are continuing to be cared for on designated wards and are appropriately isolated.

“We hold daily meetings which involves a senior multidisciplinary team of experts comprising of members of the health board, Public Health Wales and Gwynedd Council who are advising and ensuring that all required control measures are in place to reduce further transmission. This includes adequate infection prevention measures and regular testing of staff and patients.

“We are confident that we have the measures in place to ensure that this incident will not pose a significant increasing risk in the incidence rates in our local communities.

“Please help us to reduce the risk of infection by only attending our hospital sites if you have a scheduled appointment."

Last Thursday, the North Wales Chronicle reported that the majority of planned operations had been cancelled at the Bangor based hospital so it could tackle the outbreak.

Alyson Constantine, Acute Care Site Director at Ysbyty Gwynedd, said at the time: “The majority of planned operations are postponed at Ysbyty Gwynedd this week and next week with the exception of some day cases, maternity and paediatrics.

“Emergency surgery, diagnostic services, oncology and outpatient appointments will continue.

“This decision has been made to enable us to provide extra capacity on site due to the number of people being treated for Covid-19 infection at the hospital."

Visiting remains restricted, except for limited circumstances.

Ms Jones added: "Every visit is risk assessed by the hospital management team or delegated manager.”