Friday’s Update from CTM UHB

*In CTMUHB an outbreak is where two or more cases have been identified as having potentially been transmitted within a hospital setting

Royal Glamorgan Hospital service changes

Temporary service changes are still in place including:

·       Temporary suspension of elective surgery (with the exception of a very small number of urgent cancer cases which have been clinically prioritised);

·       Diversion of emergency admissions to other hospitals (with exception of children)

·       Diversion of Welsh Ambulance Service (999) patients to other hospitals (with exception of children)

·       There is no change to the self-contained paediatric wards at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, they remain open

·       Mental health services at the hospital remain open

Royal Glamorgan Hospital

Cases of COVID-19 linked to the outbreak – 135

Deaths linked to the COVID-19 outbreak – 25

*numbers correct as of 8/10/2020

Prince Charles Hospital

Cases of COVID-19 linked to the outbreak – 18

Deaths linked to the COVID-19 outbreak – 4

*numbers correct as of 8/10/2020

Princess of Wales Hospital

Cases of COVID-19 linked to the outbreak – 16

Deaths linked to the COVID-19 outbreak – 1

*numbers correct as of 8/10/2020

Deaths included in the outbreaks are patients whose deaths are associated with COVID-19, not necessarily directly due to COVID-19

Maesteg Hospital

A small number (fewer than five) of cases of COVID-19 have been identified at Maesteg Hospital. The ward has been closed as our teams continue to take all necessary measures to reduce further spread of the virus. If anyone has any queries or concerns, we would encourage them to contact our helpline on 01685 726464 between 9am and 4.30pm (Mon – Fri) where the team will be able to help.

*numbers correct as of 8/10/2020

Ysbyty’r Seren

We continue to work on the planning to open Ysbyty’r Seren as soon as possible and to ensure all operational and infection control measures are fully in place to admit patients. Our teams are working extremely hard to prepare the hospital for patients, with quality of care and safety being our top priority. Preparations have taken longer than anticipated, however the timing of the opening of Ysbyty’r Seren will be reviewed early next week when we will provide a further update.

Helpline

A helpline has been set up for anyone who has concerns relating to the COVID outbreaks in CTM UHB.

Members of the public can call 01685 726464 between 9am and 4.30pm (Mon – Fri) where a team will be ready to help. 

Emergency departments

We are appealing to everyone in our communities to help us manage the pressures that we are experiencing across our hospital sites. You can help by really considering whether accessing our Emergency Departments is the appropriate line of action for your health care needs. The Emergency Department is for emergency cases ONLY. We encourage everyone at this time to consider where alternative services can provide the care suitable for their needs, such as the NHS 111 Wales website, minor injury units, pharmacies and GP services. Details can be found on our website.

 CTM UHB statement

 Medical Director for CTM UHB Dr Nick Lyons said “In conjunction with Public Health Wales, we continue to closely monitor cases at Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Prince Charles Hospital, Princess of Wales Hospital and Maesteg Hospital sites. The safety of our patients and staff remains our first priority and immediate measures to contain the spread of the virus have been put in place.

 “We are taking this extremely seriously and the stringent and robust mitigating actions which have been taken across our sites are being closely observed. However given the nature of Coronavirus, there is an inevitable time delay in when we will see the positive impact of these measures.  

“This is a very difficult time for everyone, and I would like to thank all of our staff who are continuing to work incredibly hard to deal with this challenging situation.

“We apologise for any concern caused to families and our communities and we would encourage anyone who has any questions to contact our helpline on 01685 726464 between 9am and 4.30pm (Mon – Fri) where a team will be ready to help.

 “Infection rates also continue to rise in our communities and we are appealing to all members of the public to take seriously their responsibilities by ensuring their behaviour does not contribute to the further spread of COVID-19.  We remain grateful to all members of our community who are continuing to adhere to the guidance in order to help control this virus.”