Countess of Chester Hospital opens dedicated Coronavirus isolation area – specialist tests can be conducted in Wales from Monday

The Countess of Chester Hospital have put in place a series of measures to prepare for anyone with Coronavirus attending, and are asking those with symptoms not to enter the Emergency Department or hospital buildings, but to go straight to a new centre.

The hospital has allocated a designated “Countess Coronavirus Support Centre” that is a 24/7 isolation area on site. They say the move comes ‘following the decision by the UK Chief Medical Officer to raise the threat level for Coronavirus from low to moderate’ seven days ago.

At Wrexham Maelor no such action has been announced, and as of this morning, the latest public information from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB)  states, “The risk to the UK population has been assessed as low”.

The local update from BCUHB reads, “Public Health Wales is working closely with Welsh Government and the other UK public health agencies, to carefully monitor the situation in Wuhan and to support activity to put in place proportionate, precautionary measures. The risk to the UK population has been assessed as low.”

The risk level stated locally appears not just at odds with what the Countess are stating, but is different from the statement yesterday from the Chief Medical Officer for Wales , Dr. Frank Atherton,  who said: “All UK Chief Medical Officers are continuing to co-ordinate action in response to the developing situation. The UK risk level remains at moderate.” Dr Atherton’s statement also reassures, “At this point in time there are no cases in Wales but the Welsh Government and NHS Wales have robust arrangements in place to manage cases and protect the public”.

In Chester anyone showing symptoms associated with the virus will get ‘a quick assessment’ at the dedicated centre, while ‘other patients will receive the appropriate care they need’.

A Countess of Chester Hospital spokesperson said: “Following the recent Coronavirus outbreak in China we are putting in place a series of measures to mitigate any extra burden on our Emergency Departments and ensure the safety of all our patients and staff at the Trust.”

“Any member of the public arriving at the hospital concerned that they may have symptoms consistent with Coronavirus is asked not to enter the Emergency Department or hospital buildings.”

They will need to go directly to the Countess Coronavirus Support Centre based on-site at the Haygarth Building – Click here for map.

Countess of Chester Hospital Chief Executive, Dr Susan Gilby, said: “Following the decision by the UK Chief Medical Officer to raise the threat level for Coronavirus from low to moderate, we will be putting in place additional measures at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

“The risk of infection in the UK remains low and the measures being taken are in line with Public Health England and NHS England guidance to ensure the safety of all patients and staff.”

“Along with all other NHS Trusts, we have been asked to organise a special area which will be called ‘The Countess Coronavirus Support Centre’ to allow any member of the public with symptoms consistent with the virus to be assessed without posing a risk to staff or patients.”

“The Centre will be open to patients from 5pm on Friday 7 February and will be accessed at the Haygarth Centre via Countess Way.”

“Please be reassured that day-to-day services throughout the hospital remain unaffected and we will continue to deliver high-quality healthcare services to the people of West Cheshire and Flintshire.”

Public Health Wales have rolling updates, with the latest yesterday afternoon containing comment from Dr Giri Shankar, Professional Lead Consultant for Health Protection at Public Health Wales, who said: “Members of the public will be aware of the three confirmed cases of Novel Coronavirus in the UK. There are currently no confirmed cases in Wales, although it is likely that Wales will see cases at some point.

“We are working closely with the other UK nations, the Welsh Government, the wider NHS in Wales, and others to monitor the Novel Coronavirus outbreak in China, and have implemented our planned response.

“We are well prepared, with robust infection control measures in place to protect the health of the public.

“From Monday 10 February, the Novel Coronavirus diagnostic test will be rolled out to laboratories across the UK, including the specialist virology laboratory at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.”

“Public Health Wales’ trained scientists will now conduct the specialist test in Wales – ensuring we are well prepared should we begin to see an increased number of cases.

“The UK Department for Health and Social Care has issued updated advice for returning travellers.  We would encourage travellers to check the new guidance, especially those returning from China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau in the last 14 days.”

“The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised UK nationals to leave China where possible. ”

“Members of the public can help protect themselves and others by always carrying tissues, and using them to catch coughs or sneezes.  They should bin the tissue, and to kill the germs, wash their hands with soap and water, or use a sanitiser gel.  This is the best way to slow the spread of most, including Coronavirus.”

“All Welsh residents that meet the current testing criteria for Novel Coronavirus are being offered testing. However, we are not able to comment on individual cases for reasons of patient confidentiality.”

“The UK Department of Health and Social Care is confirming daily the numbers of patients who have tested negative or positive for coronavirus in the UK.  Public Health Wales is not providing a commentary on the numbers of suspected cases, or on the numbers of people being screened, in Wales.”

Coronavirus presents with flu-like symptoms including a fever, a cough, or difficulty breathing. Public Health Wales says ‘current evidence is that most cases appear to be mild’.

Coronavirus guidance has been issued on a very local level, with posters being put up around town :

Signs are up in quite a few locations around town – thanks to the pharmacy in Garden Village for sharing this one. Some of it is just general reminders on how not to be grebby… ! Stay healthy everyone, and help everyone stay healthy 👍 pic.twitter.com/LCfklaCBfT

— Wrexham.com (@wrexham) February 5, 2020

More information and advice can be found on the Public Health Wales website and the World Health Organisation dedicated page.