UK hospital hit with major coronavirus outbreak forced to cut other services again

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A major outbreak of coronavirus at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Wales has forced bosses to cut services to bring it under control.

A total of 82 cases have been confirmed at the Ynysmaerdy hospital, double the number a week earlier.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board announced on Wednesday, September 23, it was now taking “robust action”.

As of today patients who would usually be taken to A&E at the hospital in an emergency will also be sent elsewhere as part of the plan.

Planned surgeries have also been temporarily suspended.

The measures come into force at 2pm on Wednesday

The latest cases and deaths figures show Rhondda Cynon Taf, which the Royal Glamorgan Hospital serves, has the third-highest level of Covid cases in Wales.

A statement from Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said: “Significant temporary service restrictions will be put in place at Royal Glamorgan Hospital from 14.00 Wednesday September 30 as increased action is taken to contain a COVID-19 outbreak within the hospital.

“Teams have been working at pace to implement robust measures to manage the outbreak, however additional cases linked to transmission within the hospital have been confirmed in recent days with the number of cases currently standing at 82.

“Given the extent of this outbreak, and on advice of Public Health Wales, the Health Board is taking a number of urgent and significant actions to ensure the safety of our staff, patients and communities.”

In a bid to offer care to the Covid-19 patients, all planned surgeries except for urgent cancer cases will be stopped.

“We will provide further advice and guidance within the next 24 hours and will continue to communicate widely with our communities, patients, stakeholders and colleagues to ensure everyone is aware of the temporary changes and what this means for accessing services at Royal Glamorgan Hospital.

“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 by wearing of facemasks, washing hands regularly and maintaining a 2m distance between people.”

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