A Welsh hospital faced a daunting challenge during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, with just 11 beds available for nearly 200 critically ill patients. Professor Philip Kloer, the chief executive of Hywel Dda health board, shared the harrowing experience of Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen with the UK Covid Inquiry. While the hospital did not see as much demand as initially anticipated, staff worked tirelessly under immense pressure.
The BBC reported that the hospital had to get creative to accommodate the patients, with 1,000 workers from retail and hospitality sectors recruited to assist medical staff. Additionally, 600 health board employees were reassigned to acute hospital care roles. To meet bed spacing requirements, partition walls were installed to separate patients, as not doing so would have led to the loss of over a third of the hospital’s 388 beds.
In a bid to increase capacity, an extra 113 beds were set up at a field hospital located in a local leisure centre and bowling alley, designed to mimic a hospital environment. Despite these efforts, the staff faced significant challenges, as highlighted in a 2021 survey that documented distressing experiences. Reports included staff members crying in cupboards due to stress and others resorting to having lunch in their cars.
Prof Kloer acknowledged communication lapses regarding access to personal protective equipment (PPE) stocks, noting a staff member being reprimanded for ordering visors. Despite maintaining a two-week supply of PPE throughout the summer of 2020, concerns lingered among staff about potential shortages during a surge. While the hospital was ill-equipped to meet the projected need for 192 intensive care patients with just 11 beds, the worst-case scenario did not come to fruition.
Dr. Andrew Goodall, the former NHS Wales chief executive, revealed that by mid-March 2020, the health service braced for a severe shortage of beds if pandemic models proved accurate. Anticipating a shortfall of approximately 6,000 hospital beds and 1,450 intensive care beds, the healthcare system navigated through a critical phase during the pandemic.
Reflecting on the challenges faced, Prof Kloer stressed the importance of early awareness in addressing the impact on vulnerable groups. The lessons learned from the pandemic underscored the necessity of proactive measures in managing healthcare crises effectively. Though the hospital’s resources were stretched to the limit, the dedication and resilience of the staff played a vital role in navigating through the tumultuous period.
As the inquiry delves into the healthcare system’s response to the Covid-19 crisis, the experiences shared by Prof Kloer shed light on the trials faced by frontline workers. The narrative of Glangwili Hospital serves as a poignant reminder of the relentless efforts and sacrifices made in the battle against the pandemic. Amidst the turmoil, the healthcare professionals stood firm, embodying resilience and compassion in the face of unprecedented challenges.