Please see below an update from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board on Covid Vaccinations and how to prevent the spread of norovirus this winter.

COVID vaccination update

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board teams have so far delivered more than 140,000 COVID-19 autumn booster vaccines to many of the most vulnerable people in North Wales.

BCUHB continue to urge everyone eligible for the COVID-19 Autumn booster, and the flu vaccine, to take up the offer of vaccination to help protect themselves from the most serious effects of these illnesses and to help protect the wider community from outbreaks, thereby reducing pressures on local NHS services during the busiest time of the year.

From Thursday 7th December BCUHB are offering a ‘walk in’ service for COVID-19 booster vaccinations.  Those eligible for a booster (including people aged 65 and over, anyone with a long-term health condition and people who live with or care for someone who is more vulnerable to COVID-19 – a full list is on our website) can attend one of our vaccination centres without an appointment and receive their vaccination as soon as a slot becomes available.  This may involve a short wait at busy times.  Individuals who have received a letter offering them a booster can either stick to the date and time offered, or drop into a vaccination centre at an earlier date if more convenient.

NHS COVID Pass

As there are no longer any domestic requirements for individuals to demonstrate their COVID vaccination status, and since 24th November 2023 there are no countries which require proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of entry, the NHS COVID Pass service has now closed.  Communication on this has been sent to GP Practices.

Public urged to take steps to prevent spread of norovirus

BCUHB are urging the public to prevent the spread of norovirus as cases rise in our communities in North East Wales and across the border.

Norovirus is highly infectious and can spread easily through contact with someone who has the virus or with contaminated surfaces and can readily cause outbreaks in care settings.  It usually causes symptoms of vomiting and/or diarrhoea along with stomach cramps and headaches which, with rest and rehydration, normally resolves in two to three days. However it can be more serious for people who are already ill, the very young and the elderly.

BCUHB are seeing an increase in cases in particular at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and a small number of wards have been closed to admissions, and visiting restrictions are in place.  People should check the Health Board website for up to date details and in any event no one who is unwell or has had (or has been in contact with anyone who has had) diarrhoea and/or vomiting in the previous 48 hours should visit friends and relatives in hospital.

Christmas celebrations

As we approach the festive season, a series of events for patients, staff and visitors are taking place in our hospitals, and you would be welcome to join us at any of these:  The main concerts are those highlighted in bold.

• Wednesday 13th December at 6.30pm – Ysbyty Glan Clwyd League of Friends Christmas Service, taking place at the Tea Bar
• Sunday, 17th December at 2.00pm – Deeside Hospital Carols on the Wards
• Monday, 18th December at 6.30pm – Ysbyty Gwynedd Carol Service with choirs and school – main hospital foyer
• Tuesday, 19th December at 2.00pm – Llandudno Hospital Christmas Afternoon service with local school
• Wednesday, 20th December at 2.00pm – Holywell Hospital Christmas
• Wednesday, 20th December at 6.00pm – Mold Hospital Christmas Service
• Wednesday, 20th December at 7.00pm – Ysbyty Glan Clwyd – Winter Wonderland in the Chaplaincy
• Thursday, 21st December at 10.30am – Ysbyty Penrhos Stanley, Holyhead – Ward sing-a-long
• Thursday, 21st December at 1.30pm – Royal Alexandra Hospital, Rhyl – Carol Service
• Thursday, 21st December at 2.00pm – Wrexham Maelor Hospital Carol Singing in the Foyer
• Friday, 22nd December at 2.30pm – Ablett Unit, Ysbyty Glan Clwyd – Christmas Concert
• Sunday, 24th December at 2.00pm – Eryri Hospital, Caernarfon – Christmas on the wards – singing walkabout