Llandudno’s Venue Cymru theatre has recently been transformed into a new field hospital to cope with patients suffering from respiratory complaints.
This is one, out of three hospitals that are being set up across North Wales as a way of coping with the Covid-19 pandemic.
The leader of Conwy Council Sam Rowlands has explained that they’re eager to do all they can to support their partners at this difficult time. He also stated that Venue Cymru was deemed a suitable choice as it provides sufficient space and infrastructure.
A lot of Council run services have unfortunately closed in the area as a result of the Coronavirus, but many of the staff have been redeployed to help services which are a priority.
“…a message of hope..”
Venue Cymru have lit up the windows at the front of the building in rainbow colours to honour the name of the hospital. Ysbyty Efnys, which translates to Rainbow Hospital, got its name from how rainbows are currently being used across the UK to spread happiness.
NHS staff have been particularly moved by the outpouring of support the general public have given them, which includes the images of rainbows displayed on the windows of homes.
A spokesperson for Venue Cymru has explained they hope the coloured lights will send out a message of hope to those that see them including the residents of the local area. The lights will stay on for the entire duration Ysbyty Efnys is running.
images: Betsy Cadwaladr
Supporting Our Hospitals
The new hospital will provide 350 beds, and play a crucial part in supporting local hospitals including Llandudno Hospital, Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and Ysbyty Gwynedd.
Overall, the three new temporary hospitals will add an extra 850 beds to North Wales, which is yet to hit its estimated peak in Covid-19 cases.
Deeside Leisure Centre is also one of the three hospitals, providing an extra 250 beds to support the Wrexham and Flintshire area. In Bangor, another 250 beds are currently being set up at the University’s Brailsford Sport and Leisure Centre.
The Betsy Cadwaladr University Health Board, working alongside the local authorities, are operating as fast as they can to get the hospitals up and running by the end of April.
There is significant work being carried out to increase the Health Board’s workforce in order to staff the extra hospitals. They have received many applications, and are also looking to recruit retired staff and student nurses and doctors.
