VISITING restrictions remain in place at three North Wales hospitals as staff continue to tackle coronavirus outbreaks.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) said it is managing the outbreaks at Glan Clwyd Hospital, Colwyn Bay Hospital and Llandudno Hospital.

A total of 49 patients are currently being cared for by the hospitals after contracting Covid-19, a number of which were a result of outbreaks at the hospital. Of those patients on Covid-19 wards, 24 are currently positive and receiving treatment, while 25 are recovering from the virus.

Restrictions in place at the hospitals include visiting requests, surgical masks and the use of hand sanitiser.

BCUHB Secondary Care Nursing Director Debra Hickman said: “We are continuing to manage COVID-19 outbreaks at Glan Clwyd Hospital, Colwyn Bay Hospital and Llandudno Hospital.

“A small number of these patients are confirmed hospital acquired infection and linked to the outbreak.

“Due to the high community COVID-19 transmission rate we ask that when the public visit us for an appointment or treatment they wear one of our fluid resistant surgical masks which are available at entrances into our healthcare settings and use the available hand sanitiser as often as possible.

“Tighter visiting restrictions remain in place at Glan Clwyd Hospital, as well Llandudno and Colwyn Bay hospitals.

“This decision does not impact visiting guidelines for our maternity, paediatrics and neonatal services or wards.

“Exceptional visiting requests such as for visiting a relative who is at end of life must be made directly with the ward and will require an individual risk assessment to be completed both in advance of and on arrival of an agreed visit - so that we can keep patients, staff and visitors safe.”

For any concerns please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service by telephoning 03000 851234 Monday to Friday between 9am – 5pm or emailing BCU.PALS@wales.nhs.uk.