COVID-19 patients isolated at Llandovery and Ammanford hospitals

Hywel Dda University Health Board is closely monitoring the situation at Llandovery Community Hospital and Amman Valley Hospital, both in Carmarthenshire, where a number of patients have tested positive for COVID-19.

Patients at both sites are being cared for in isolation and according to COVID-19 and infection prevention guidelines, with appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment and social distancing.

However, a number of staff, including nurses, at both sites have tested positive for COVID-19 and are self-isolating. This has led to significant constraints on the workforce at both sites, which has meant sustaining both community nursing and community hospital services has been a challenge.

In response, Hywel Dda University Health Board, in consultation with community stakeholders, including local GPs and the Community Health Council, is developing plans for temporary contingency measures to ensure it can continue to provide safe care to patients. A final plan will be agreed on Monday 30th November.

Jill Paterson, Director of Primary Care, Community and Long Term Care at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “COVID-19 is a huge challenge affecting us in Hywel Dda UHB as it does other NHS organisations across the UK. “We are facing an urgent situation at Llandovery Community Hospital and Amman Valley Hospital, but I can assure patients, their families, and the local communities that any changes we make would be temporary and in the best interests of patients.

“While we acknowledge that we have staffing challenges, particularly as a result of COVID-19, our staff are working exceptionally hard to continue to provide the very best care given the difficult circumstances and I applaud their incredible efforts.”

Dr Granville Morris, from Amman Valley Hospital, said: “The wellbeing of patients is our number one priority so any decision made will be in their best interests. Our staff have worked tirelessly ever since the first positive COVID-19 case at Amman Valley Hospital, and I’m deeply proud of them.”

If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 – a new continuous cough, a high temperature, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste – please stay at home and book a test through the UK portal.

(Lead Image: Amman Valley Hospital, Ammanford – Hywel Dda Health Board)