Critical Incident Forces Closure of Entire Top Floor at Welsh Hospital
The Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, Wales, has faced a critical incident leading to the closure of the entire top floor of the facility. Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB declared the critical incident following a survey that revealed extensive damage to the hospital’s roof due to heavy rainfall, causing leaks throughout the building.
The closure of the top floor has significantly impacted the hospital’s operations, including its surgical theatre. As a trauma hospital, the Princess of Wales Hospital often deals with emergency cases such as those resulting from car accidents or severe falls. While the emergency department remains unaffected by the roof damage, the hospital is unable to handle trauma emergencies during the closure, with staff and services being relocated to other hospitals.
Patients have been either discharged, transferred to community settings like care homes or community hospitals, or moved to other acute hospitals within the health board area for specialized care. However, some critical patients will remain at the Princess of Wales Hospital but will be relocated within the facility.
The health board noted that the roof repair work is more complex than initially anticipated, involving the deterioration of wooden roof battens due to inadequate ventilation in the hospital’s design. The exact extent of services affected, number of patients impacted, and the potential delay in operations and appointments due to the closure remain unspecified at this time.
Concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact of the roof repair work on the planned reopening of the maternity unit at the hospital, which had previously closed for urgent maintenance. Neighbouring hospitals have been handling maternity cases in the interim, raising questions about the scheduled reopening in December.
As the health board continues to address the situation, the timeline for completion of the roof repair work and the restoration of services remains unclear. Those affected by the closure are encouraged to contact authorities for further information or assistance.
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If you or a loved one has been affected by the hospital’s closure or have information to share on this issue, kindly contact [email protected] for further assistance and coverage.