Further to the First Minister's comments on 14 May 2021 about a potential third COVID-19 wave over the summer, will he outline the Welsh Government's preparations including breakdowns of current stocks of PPE, which Nightingale hospitals are on standby and whether any COVID-free sites are available for routine NHS treatment?
The PPE position continues to be stable in Wales with c. 316m PPE items in the National stockpile, and a further c. 251m items on secured orders.
Further to the written statement published on 22 March, health boards have been asked to consider whether field hospital facilities should be maintained in 2021/2022 given the prospect of further ‘waves’ of COVID-19 and uncertainty around the surge capacity required by the NHS to manage any resultant increases in demand.
Of the 11 retained field hospitals, the latest information available to the Welsh Government indicates that Ysbyty Enfys Selwyn Samuel’ Llanelli within Hywel Dda UHB will remain open with capacity for up to 24 beds. Within Hywel Dda UHB, Carmarthen Leisure Centre has been hibernated but has capacity to open as a field hospital with up to 24 beds if demand requires. Ysbyty Enfys Carreg, Las Bluestone and Y Barn have been decommissioned.
Ysbyty’r Seren in Bridgend, CTM UHB is no longer open as a field hospital but is being used for capacity to support Maesteg Community Hospital, while the community hospital undergoes refurbishment.
The remaining six retained field hospital sites have been maintained and are operating as COVID vaccination centres - Ysbyty Enfys Deeside (BC UHB), Ysbyty Enfys Llandudno (BC UHB), Ysbyty Enfys Bangor (BC UHB), Aberystwyth Plascrug Leisure Centre (Hywel Dda UHB), Cardigan Leisure Centre (Hywel Dda UHB) and Bay Studios (Swansea Bay UHB).
While COVID-19 remains in our communities, albeit in small numbers, it is not possible to talk about COVID-free hospital sites at this point in time. The term used is green pathways/areas where additional care is taken to reduce the risk of hospital acquired infection for planned care services and maintain the ‘green’ status.
Health boards have identified in their 2021/22 plans how they will continue to develop safe “green sites/pathways” to undertake additional planned care activity to support recovery. The ability to deliver these plans will depend on COVID-19 levels and any new waves. Protecting green sites/pathways will be prioritised where possible, balancing risk and harm from all areas, COVID and non COVID care, remains the guiding principle, as such the use of resources has to remain flexible.