THE health board for hospitals in the Wrexham region has confirmed cases of Covid-19 in community hospitals across the region, including Chirk.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) confirmed cases in Chirk, Mold and Deeside community hospitals, as well as between 60 and 70 cases at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

As a result of the cases being confirmed, the health board wants to limit visitor numbers at its hospitals to help manage the spread of the virus.

Gill Harris, executive director of nursing and midwifery at BCUHB, says staff at the hospitals have the required personal protective equipment (PPE), and staff who have worked in an environment where there has been a confirmed positive cluster have been tested in accordance with national guidance.

She said: “We currently have between 60 and 70 confirmed Covid-19 cases at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

“We continue to have a small number of confirmed cases at Deeside Community Hospital, Chirk Hospital, and Mold Community Hospital. Due to the risk of identifying patients, we will not be providing specific numbers for the three sites.

“A number of measures have been put in place to help these community hospitals manage the risk of Covid-19.

“As part of a proactive approach at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, we have instigated universal screening for all patients on wards where we may or have had a Covid-19 positive patient.

“This is in addition to screening every patient admitted to our hospitals. All patients who test positive are appropriately isolated and all infection prevention and control measures are in place.”

BCUHB has urged communities across the region to help manage the spread of the virus within their respective communities.

Gill added: “We continue to ask for the public’s help in managing the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.

“We want to limit the number of visitors to our hospital sites and as hospital visiting is still suspended, we are asking that you only have someone accompany you if necessary.

“If you are unable to attend an appointment please notify us as soon as possible.

“Please continue to follow the public health guidance around regular hand washing and following social distancing guidance to help prevent transmission of the virus.

“We continue to ask patients, the public and staff to wear face coverings in public areas of our hospitals.”

Two mobile testing centres have been set up in Wrexham to manage cases of the virus in the community.

The centres are based at Caia Park Health Centre and Hightown Community Resource Centre.

Tests are available without booking at either site between 9am and 6pm.