Measures reinstated at Withybush Hospital due to increase in COVID-19 cases 

Following a formal review of COVID-19 activity in its hospitals, Hywel Dda University Health Board has reinstated a number of measures at Withybush Hospital due to an increasing prevalence of COVID-19.

These measures are as follows (updated 5PM, Monday 4 July 2022):

• All staff and visitors to Withybush Hospital to wear face masks (unless exempt) on the hospital site.
• Visiting to inpatients/wards to be paused from Tuesday 5 July, except for end-of-life visits and any visits considered necessary through agreement with the ward sister/charge nurse. Visits planned for Monday 4 July will proceed as planned.
• People attending an outpatient appointment to attend alone unless they require the support of a carer/relative. A designated partner can attend antenatal appointments or scans and when a mother or birthing person is admitted in labour to the Midwifery-led Unit
• Testing of all patients prior to admission

Mandy Rayani, Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Experience, said: “We have made the decision to reinforce these measures at Withybush Hospital to reduce the risk to our patients and staff and thank people for their support and co-operation at this time.

“While the situation at Withybush Hospital and across our other hospital sites will be reviewed and updated frequently, we can all continue to take protective measures to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to protect vulnerable people and the NHS.

“We strongly advise anyone in our locality who has the classic symptoms of COVID-19, or who suspects they may have COVID-19 to isolate and take an LFD test. If positive, we urge people to isolate – this will help you to rest and recover while protecting others from the risk of transmission.”

Members of the public with COVID-19 symptoms can still order an LFD test in Wales for free, until 31 July, by visiting www.gov.uk (opens in new tab) and searching ‘order rapid lateral flow kit’. If you, or someone you care for is not online you can telephone 119 between the hours of 7am and 11pm (people with hearing or speech difficulties can call 18001 119).  

If you work for Hywel Dda University Health Board and you develop any of the three main symptoms of COVID-19 (high temperature, new, continuous cough or loss, or change to sense of taste or smell), please isolate and access testing as detailed in the staff guidance available from the intranet or from your manager or supervisor.

The health board is also strongly encouraging all members of staff and contractors to undertake and report an LFD test, twice weekly. This is especially important for those working in close contact with patients and service users to safeguard those who are vulnerable in our care.

For up-to-date information, please visit the health board’s website http://hduhb.nhs.wales