Hundreds of people caught Covid-19 in Welsh hospitals over the Christmas period to put more pressure on NHS services, it has been revealed. According to Public Health Wales (PHW) data 178 patients "definitely" caught the virus in hospital, while a further 73 "probably" did, over the seven days to December 25 to bring the total to 251.
In the lead-up to Christmas it was not uncommon for more than 300 patients to be diagnosed with hospital-acquired Covid, also known as nosocomial infections, over the course of a week. At the start of November this figure was much lower at around 50 to 60 cases, but in the last fortnight the country has seen a notable spike.
In fact, the statistics show that more people are currently catching the virus in Welsh hospitals than they are in their communities. For the week to December 25 141 people were reported to have acquired Covid in their communities - more than 100 less than in hospital settings. However, the figures should be taken with caution as far fewer people are now testing for Covid in their own homes as symptoms are typically milder.
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Welsh Government figures released last week also revealed that the number of people being treated specifically for Covid-19 in Welsh hospitals is the highest it has been since mid-July. On Tuesday, December 20, of the 538 patients in hospital with "confirmed" Covid, 72 of them were being actively treated for the virus - the most since July 22 (77 patients).
Dr Eleri Davies, deputy medical director at Public Health Wales, said: "We are currently seeing increased levels of community transmission of coronavirus along with other respiratory illnesses like flu and RSV. When there are high levels of community respiratory disease, admissions to hospital increase and unfortunately this often leads to an increase in nosocomial infections.
"Health boards across Wales have asked the public to help protect those already in hospital by not visiting friends and family if they themselves are showing signs of being unwell. Public Health Wales reminds people in eligible groups that it is not too late to 'power up your protection against serious illness' by taking up the offer of Covid-19 booster and flu vaccines this winter."
The worrying data comes at a time when flu and other respiratory infections are also rife on wards, putting the most vulnerable at risk. On Friday evening NHS Wales chief executive Judith Paget urged people to "do what they can" to relieve pressure on the health service in the coming days.
She warned that health boards were caring for more acutely unwell patients than normal this year and advised people to avoid areas like A&E unless absolutely necessary. "This winter our NHS is facing demand like we've never seen before," she said. "It's absolutely vital therefore that we all think carefully about what we do as individuals to reduce pressure on our health service.
"Our emergency departments especially are there to help those who need the most urgent care in the shortest possible time, so please consider whether you need to attend, or if there are alternative options, such as visiting the NHS 111 Wales website. We can also prepare for minor illnesses or injuries by ensuring we have essential medicines available in our homes, such as paracetamol, and a first aid kit, should we need it.
"Thank you also to families who have supported the discharge of their loved ones so they could be home for Christmas. The ongoing support of families in this way helps us greatly in ensuring that hospital beds are used for people who need the specialist care that only our hospitals can provide. We all have a role in protecting our health service, so let’s all think carefully and do what we can to support our nurses, doctors and all NHS staff this winter."
Betsi Cadwaladr recorded the most hospital-acquired Covid infections for the seven days to December 25 with 65, followed by Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB with 53, and Hywel Dda UHB and Cardiff and Vale UHB both with 37.
Health boards have asked people not to visit hospitals if they have flu-like symptoms to protect patients. Swansea Bay UHB has reintroduced mask wearing in all areas of hospitals in a bid to bring down infection rates. Its infection control team confirmed earlier this week that a range of respiratory viruses are "now highly likely to be circulating on most, if not all, wards".
Meanwhile the Welsh Government confirmed that the NHS 111 Wales helpline has also experienced unprecedented demand, with a record number of calls received in one day on Tuesday, December 27. People who are not well have been asked to visit the NHS 111 Wales website, which includes a symptom checker, before calling 111, and not attend emergency departments unless absolutely necessary.
A spokesperson for the government said: "People are asked to only call 111 if they have urgent symptoms that require treatment that day. The Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, which runs the 111 website and helpline, has advised that callers may experience longer waiting times than normal, potentially several hours.
"Patients needing repeat prescriptions are advised to visit a community pharmacy when they are next open. Pharmacies can supply up to 30 days of most repeat medication in an emergency without a prescription. Details of pharmacies open in Wales over the bank holiday are available on the NHS 111 Wales website."
Judith Bryce, assistant director of operations at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said her New Year's message that demand is far higher now than it was this time last year. She confirmed that the number of immediately life-threatening 'Red' calls in the last seven days was 62% higher than the same period last year.
"The health system is under significant pressure currently and we all have a part to play in ensuring that we protect our precious resources for those who need them most - please act responsibly and help us to help you.," she said.
With assaults on emergency workers continuing to rise, the NHS Trust is asking the public to treat crews with respect. Judith added: "At a time where many people will be enjoying the revelry of the season and consuming alcohol, please treat our ambulance workers with respect. We know it's distressing when you're waiting for help, but abusing our call handlers is not the answer – if anything, it could potentially delay help."
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