No new outbreak cases among inpatients at Wrexham Maelor Hospital for last 35 days

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board have issued a statement this afternoon outlining the current situation at the local hospital.

At its peak at the end of July into August the Health Board was reporting between 70 and 80 confirmed cases of coronavirus at the hospital during an outbreak that saw internal transmission of the virus and declared an outbreak with an Outbreak Control Team operational, sadly that period saw a number of deaths. The exact number of those who died during that period has still not been released, despite several requests for the information, and a Freedom of Information request is now overdue.

Today Debra Hickman, Interim Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “We have seen no new outbreak cases in the last 35 days among inpatients at Wrexham Maelor Hospital. As of this morning there are currently nine recovering COVID-19 cases at the hospital.”

“We have seen an increase in cases at Glan Clwyd Hospital over the last week. We are currently managing 14 confirmed COVID-19 cases there, as well as a small number at Colwyn Bay and Llandudno Hospitals.”

“A programme of staff and patient testing is underway. Universal screening is in place for all patients admitted to hospital. All patients who have tested positive are being appropriately isolated, in line with Public Health Wales’ policy on infection prevention and control measures.”

“As we continue with a programme of additional testing on both sites, we expect to find more cases in patients and staff who are not currently symptomatic. This approach will help us build an accurate picture of the current situation, enabling us to safely manage patients and prevent any unknown potential transmission.”

“Please help us continue to reduce the risk of transmission by only visiting our hospitals if it is absolutely necessary. Supporting vulnerable family or friends, or accessing healthcare services, remain the only reasons anyone other than staff should be accessing our sites.”

“Please continue to follow the guidance set by Welsh Government and Public Health Wales. We strongly encourage patients and visitors and expect our staff to wear a mask or face-covering in our hospitals in order to reduce the risk of transmission and keep each other safe.”

The wider picture for Wrexham on the daily Public Health Wales stats shows +7 new confirmed cases in Wrexham on the figures today. That is +31 on the 7 day view, with positive proportion 3.5%.