Update from CTM UHB 02/10/2020

COVID-19 Outbreak | 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, remain open

·       Mental health services at the hospital remain open

Figures

Cases of COVID-19 associated with the outbreak – 94

Deaths associated with COVID-19 – 13

*numbers correct as of 1/10/2020

Outpatient clinics

Patients who have appointments scheduled at Royal Glamorgan Hospital over the coming weeks are being contacted by the UHB to put in place alternative arrangements. Patients can access their appointments via video link with their clinician, or attend in person at rescheduled clinics being held at our community hospital sites.

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.

Tirion Birth Centre

It is with regret that we must delay the re-opening of Tirion Birth Centre at Royal Glamorgan Hospital which was planned for Monday 5^th October. We have explored several options and undertaken rigorous risk assessments, but with the safety of pregnant women, newborn babies, and their families at the heart of everything we do, at this time we cannot safely re-open the centre.

We are hugely disappointed and understand the inevitable disappointment and frustration of the many women and families due to use this facility in the coming weeks.

CTM UHB statement

Director of Public Health for CTM Prof Kelechi Nnoaham commented, “Temporary restrictions to services at the Royal Glamorgan hospital will remain in place until we are absolutely sure that we have contained the spread of the virus on the site. The opening of our field hospital next week will create capacity at the hospital for patients who need the most specialist care, and enable others to relocate to a COVID free setting. Alongside Public Health Wales, we are continually reviewing the situation, and acknowledge the major impact that our decisions are having on our patients, our communities, and our staff. We thank everyone for working with us at this challenging time.

“The safety of our patients and staff across all of our sites remains our first priority and we remain grateful to all members of our community who are continuing to adhere to the guidance in order to help control the spread of this virus.”