Bangor University to host 250 temporary hospital beds for COVID-19 patients

The University's Canolfan BrailsfordBangor University’s sports and leisure facilities will be converted into a temporary hospital to provide beds for patients with COVID-19 symptoms.

Around 250 additional beds will be made available to the NHS at Canolfan Brailsford as part of the partnership between the University and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

Patients with respiratory illnesses as a result of COVID-19 will be cared for at the temporary hospital.

Mark Polin, Chairman of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “The development of temporary hospitals like this are central to our plans to achieve the additional capacity we need, alongside developing additional space within our hospitals.

“I would like to assure the public that the preparatory work on identifying suitable sites has been underway for some time and is now moving at considerable pace.

“I really appreciate the support we’ve received from Bangor University to help with this second site, as well as our colleagues at Gwynedd Council and Anglesey County Council.

“Our partners across North Wales are playing a crucial role in our efforts to increase capacity and make sure we’re ready for an increase in patients affected by COVID-19.

“I am extremely grateful for their assistance, and we will continue work with them on this crucial joint endeavour.

“We have also received many offers of help from businesses across the region and we will be seeking assistance from them where we need it to mobilise all sites within a matter of weeks.”

“We are assessing sites in Flintshire and Wrexham where a third temporary hospital will be developed. We will confirm that site in the next few days when more detailed assessment and development work has been completed.”

Bangor University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Iwan Davies, said: "These are unprecedented times, and the University has been responding in a number of different ways to support the front line as they deal with the crisis.

“We are pleased that we can be of further help by making Canolfan Brailsford available as a temporary hospital for the local community.”

Gwynedd Council Leader, Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn said: “As a Council, we are in daily discussion with representatives Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and we have been putting plans in place to support them in any way we can.

“Over the past few days, we have been working with the Health Board, Ynys Môn Council and Bangor University to help set-up a temporary hospital site at Canolfan Brailsford in Bangor.

“We are pleased to support today’s announcement and we shall continue to work closely with the Health Board and other partners to ensure the best care for our citizens.”

Venue Cymru in Llandudno will also be converted to hold an additional 350 temporary beds, and construction work on a further 80 beds is currently taking place at Glan Clwyd Hospital.

Publication date: 1 April 2020