Outbreak response at Wrexham Maelor Hospital “stepped down” – but still ‘low’ number of unrelated hospital acquired infections

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has said the outbreak response at the local hospital has been ‘stepped down’, although patients are still being treated for hospital acquired infections.

The hospital saw a first outbreak during the summer, at its height in July there were almost 80 confirmed cases of the virus and that outbreak was declared over in September, with over 33 people reported as having died.

The second outbreak was declared in early November, which was affecting 80-90 patients by the end of that month.

The most recent update was on the 22nd of January (with one regional media outlet mis-reading that date last month and giving false ‘new’ information) with 49 people having or had healthcare acquired infection.

Since that point no further updates had been provided, we asked the health board throughout February for updates, and were told there was a move to monthly updates.

However as that did not emerge we re- asked last week.

Today an update has been given noting the outbreak has been ‘stepped down’.

Dr Stephen Stanaway, Medical Director at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, said: “The outbreak declared at Wrexham Maelor Hospital in late October 2020 has now been stepped down.

“However, we are still experiencing a low number of hospital acquired infections that are not linked to this earlier outbreak, which we are currently managing on site.

“These patients are being cared for on designated wards and are appropriately isolated.”

“COVID-19 remains a significant risk, the virus is still circulating within our communities, which serves as a timely reminder that the threat has not gone away. We will remain vigilant and continue to maintain stringent infection prevention standards at all times throughout our site to keep patients and staff safe.

“Please help us to continue to reduce the risk of transmission by only visiting our hospitals if it is absolutely necessary. Visiting remains restricted, except for limited circumstances.

“We are appealing to the public to continue to follow the government guidelines to help reduce the risk of infection in our communities. This not only helps us to keep our staff and patients safe, but will also keep your families and loved ones safe as well.”

“I would like to thank the vast majority of the public for their selfless actions that have helped reduce the community prevalence, which in turn has protected the hospital.”