THE number of patients being cared for with coronavirus at Wrexham’s hospital remains high – but is starting to fall.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board issued an update on the situation at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital which declared a second outbreak of coronavirus back in early November.

The Leader first reported that a second outbreak of the coronavirus was established within the hospital on November 6 and weekly updates on the situation have been provided.

Weekly updates on the situation have followed.

Debra Hickman, BCUHB’s secondary care nurse director, said: “The concerning increase in community transmission of COVID-19 in the Wrexham area is putting Wrexham Maelor Hospital under significant pressure. As the hospital comes under increasing pressure, keeping staff and patients safe from infection becomes much more challenging.

"As of this morning we are providing care to 50 patients at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and community hospitals in the East area who currently have, or have had healthcare acquired COVID-19 infection.

“Since declaring this outbreak in late October, we have provided care to 146 patients with healthcare acquired COVID-19 infection.

“Of the 56 new patients receiving care for COVID-19 infection in East Area hospitals over the past seven days, seven have healthcare acquired COVID-19 infection.

“Our infection prevention practices are under regular review as we learn more about the virus and national guidance is updated.

“We are urging people to follow the government guidelines to help reduce the risk of infection in our communities, protect the NHS, and keep each other safe.

“People can also help us to continue to meet demand for care by only attending our Emergency Departments if they are seriously injured or have a life-threatening health condition.”

“Please help us to reduce the risk of infection by only attending our hospital sites if it is absolutely necessary.

Visiting remains restricted, except for some limited circumstances, but people should continue to attend appointments unless they are told otherwise.”