THE rainbow hospitals in North Wales are ‘progressing well’ thanks to those ‘who have worked day and night’, a health board has confirmed.

It was previously reported that there will be three temporary hospitals built across North Wales to help meet increased demand over the coming weeks and months on the NHS during the pandemic.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) said it was working in partnership with local authorities and military planners to rapidly establish the hospitals so they can begin providing care for patients by the end of April.

Converted locations include Deeside Leisure Centre in Flintshire, Venue Cymru in Conwy, and Bangor University in Gwynedd – and have been renamed as rainbow hospitals due to the symbol becoming universally linked with hope during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Dr Chris Stockport, executive director of primary and community care, said: “Work is progressing well on our three temporary Rainbow Hospitals (Ysbytai Enfys). Thanks to an unprecedented partnership effort, building work is now substantially complete, and we are at the stage of moving beds and all necessary equipment in.

“This simply would not have been possible without the incredible support of our partners at Bangor University, Flintshire County Council, Conwy County Borough Council and the many contractors who have worked day and night.”

Dr Stockport says that these Rainbow Hospitals are being rapidly established to help ensure that the region is well prepared for a surge in demand.

The three sites were handed over to BCUHB earlier this month (April) to provide a combined 1,000 additional beds and reduce occupancy in BCUHB’s main hospitals so that they can focus upon the care of the patients at greatest need.

As well as preventing admissions to BCUHB’s three acute hospitals, the rainbow hospitals will also help patients who have received treatment at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Glan Clwyd Hospital and Wrexham Maelor Hospital to recover in order to return home.

Dr Stockport continues: “Current modelling indicates that these beds will not be needed for some weeks. This is because of the measures we have already taken to increase bed capacity in our existing hospitals, and the efforts of the North Wales public who are following the stay at home guidance.

“We would like to thank people in communities across the region who are protecting the NHS and saving lives by staying at home.”

Residents living in the immediate vicinity of the three temporary hospitals have been previously reassured that there is no risk to their health and that they should continue to follow the Welsh Government’s stay at home guidance.