Additional measures to protect patients as ‘significant numbers’ of COVID inpatients at Glangwili Hospital

Hywel Dda University Health Board has confirmed that despite improvements in the rate of COVID-19 infections across communities in Carmarthenshire in recent weeks, they continue to manage a significant number of patients at Glangwili Hospital who have tested positive for COVID-19.

The health board say they are taking additional measures to protect patients and help prevent further spread of the virus.

Around 70 inpatients are currently confirmed positive with the virus and are being cared for appropriately across a number of ward areas, with regular communication with them and their families or carers.

As an extra safeguard, all staff working in affected areas are being screened and appropriate staffing arrangements are in place, including stringent infection prevention and control measures and appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment.  

As a further precaution and to allow time to safely review staff who work in these areas, the health board says they have rescheduled a small number of clinics, with affected patients to be contacted directly.

Other patients who are not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are being encouraged to attend their outpatient clinic or diagnostic test appointments as planned as the majority of these are held away from the inpatient ward areas. People who are unwell or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, are asked to call to reschedule their appointment.

Emergency and critical care services are continuing to operate as normal and the health board stresses that you should continue to access the hospital for emergency care.  

Hospital General Manager Sarah Perry said: “COVID-19 is circulating in our communities, but thanks to testing and tracing, and stringent infection prevention measures, we are much more aware and able to deal with risks in order to protect our patients, staff and wider community.

“We are currently managing significant numbers of patients with the virus at Glangwili General Hospital and are closely monitoring the situation, working with partners including Public Health Wales and the local authority.

“We would like to take this opportunity to ask everyone to continue to follow the guidelines that are in place to protect us all.

“Please keep yourselves and your loved ones safe by washing your hands regularly, staying 2 metres apart from people outside of your household, and wearing a facemask when it is not possible to be 2 metres apart.

“We know this feels really hard right now as we live and work in this community, but taking these steps protects us all.”

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 book a test through the UK-wide website or via the national bilingual telephone service by dialling 119 between the hours of 7am and 11pm (people with hearing or speech difficulties can call 18001 119). 

(Lead image: Hywel Dda University Health Board)