COVID-19 - Swansea Bay UHB statement 11.03.2020
You may be aware from the news that there are now nine cases of Coronavirus COVID-19 in the Swansea Bay UHB area, from the Neath Port Talbot and Swansea local authority areas.
All NHS patients have a right to patient confidentiality, so we are not able to provide any further details about these individuals.
However we do want to give assurances that patients with COVID-19 infection are being safely managed in a clinically appropriate area.
There is no need to be concerned about visiting any of our hospitals, which remain open as normal. Please continue to access our care and services as usual, including appointments, treatments or urgent care.
We fully expected an increase in the number of positive cases and are planning and preparing for this.
As part of our response to the COVID-19 outbreak we have set up a drive-through coronavirus testing centre to help protect the health of our communities.
This centre, sited just off the M4 on land owned by Neath Port Talbot Council, can only be accessed by prior arrangement and appointment only – usually via the 111 service. Please do NOT turn up on spec, as you won't be seen.
People who have an appointment will be invited to drive there and will have swabs taken by staff in protective clothing, while they remain in their vehicle.
Keith Reid, Swansea Bay Director of Public Health, said:
“The demand for testing people for COVID-19 is growing, and this new drive-through unit is providing a convenient and safe way to offer tests in a timely way, and it makes the best use of our hard-working staff.”
People who don’t drive, or who don’t have access to a car, can still be tested in their own home.
Please note that the testing unit is accessible by appointment only. If you are concerned you may have COVID-19 there is now an online symptom checker available.
Do not go to your GP surgery, Morriston Hospital Emergency Department (A&E) or the Minor Injury Unit at Neath Port Talbot Hospital.
Excellent hygiene is really important, and one of the best ways to protect against infections, so please wash your hands thoroughly and regularly. Also, use a tissue for cold and flu-type symptoms.
For more information and advice about COVID-19, please see the Public Health Wales Coronavirus webpage.
Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth a galwadau ffôn yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. Mae’r dudalen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg drwy bwyso’r botwm ar y dde ar frig y dudalen.
We welcome correspondence and telephone calls in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. This page is available in Welsh by clicking ‘Cymraeg’ at the top right of this page.