A TOTAL of 59 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed as being present at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, latest health board figures show.

Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board issued an update on Friday evening confirming the number of cases at the hospital as of Friday morning, with there being four fewer cases there than on Thursday. Earlier in the week there was said to have been between "70 and 80" cases at the hospital. 

However the health board admits that it expects the total to fluctuate as test results come back and new patients are admitted.

There also remains a "small number" of cases at Deeside Community Hospital, Chirk Hospital and Mold Community Hospital.

Gill Harris, executive director of Nursing and Midwifery at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: "We have had a high incidence of patients contracting Covid-19 at the hospital in recent weeks and people are understandably anxious about this. We are confident that the infection prevention measures we have put in place are helping to reduce hospital transmission. The majority of new cases identified in the past few days have been as a result of community transmission of the virus.

“Please help us to continue to reduce the risk of transmissions by only visiting the Wrexham Maelor site if it is absolutely necessary over the weekend. Supporting vulnerable family or friends, or accessing healthcare services, remain the only reasons anyone other than staff should be accessing the site.

“Staff are on hand ready to provide PPE to visitors who do visit the site, but we want people to think long and hard about whether a trip to the Maelor is necessary right now. Our Patient Advice and Liaison Support Service has a Letters to Loved Ones service in place to help you keep in touch with friends and family in hospital without needing to visit."

Miss Harris added :“Anybody with concerns about loved ones in our hospitals to contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Support Service on 03000 851 234 or email: BCU.PALS@wales.nhs.uk.

“Similarly, we urge residents across North Wales, not just in the Wrexham area, to continue to follow the guidance set by Welsh Government and Public Health Wales.

“Mobile testing centres remain available today and tomorrow (Saturday 1 August) at Caia Park Health Centre (Prince Charles Road) and Hightown Community Resource Centre (Fusilier Way). Residents can get a test without booking by attending either site between 9am and 6pm, with results returning within 48-72 hours.

“Signs to look out for include a new continuous cough, high temperature, and a lost or change in your normal sense of taste or smell."