Major Covid-19 outbreak reported in Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Wales

30 September 2020, 08:33 | Updated: 7 June 2023, 08:56

Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant, Wales, has reported 82 cases of coronavirus
Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant, Wales, has reported 82 cases of coronavirus. Picture: Google

By Kate Buck

Significant restrictions have been put in place at a hospital in Wales following a major Covid-19 outbreak.

Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant, Wales, has reported 82 cases of coronavirus - some of which have been linked to transmission within the hospital itself.

From 2pm today, planned surgeries (with the exceptions of a very small number of urgent cancer cases which have been clinically prioritised) will be temporarily suspended, and adult emergency patients will be instead sent to either Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil, or the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.

The Emergency Department will remain open for walk-in patients and those who can be treated in ambulatory care department.

There is no change to the paediatric department in the hospital.

'The app said my nearest drive-through testing availability was on the Isle of Wight'

Paul Mears, CEO of Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, said they encourage anyone seeking treatment at the hospital to look for alternative places, where possible.

A statement said: “We have taken range of swift and decisive actions to try to manage this outbreak which include immediate closure of affected wards, risk assessments of affected and at-risk wards, reviews of infection prevention and control measures and their implementation, increased testing of healthcare staff and testing of all hospital admissions.

“These decisions have not been taken lightly, and we understand that they will impact our patients, their families, our staff and partner organisations.  However, the safety of our patients and staff is of the utmost importance and we believe this is the right course of action, based on the professional advice given to us.

More to follow...