Investigations into the unusually high number of healthcare-acquired COVID-19 incidents recorded during the pandemic's onset have concluded, says NHS Wales. This forms part of a broader national programme aimed at co-ordinating these inquiries. Jennifer Winslade, executive director of nursing at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, said: "On behalf of NHS Wales, I would like to take this opportunity to offer my sincere condolences to all those who lost loved ones after acquiring COVID-19 in healthcare settings – the impact cannot be underestimated.
"Additionally, I’d like to extend my gratitude to everyone who has engaged in the review process, recognising how difficult this has been. "Developing our understanding about nosocomial COVID-19 and people’s experiences will have a lasting impact on improving the quality of healthcare services we provide in Wales. "The learning that has been identified - and in some areas already implemented - remains a priority for all NHS organisations, as part of our continued commitments to providing high quality, safe and effective care.
" Between March 2020 and April 2022, there were 18,360 suspected cases of healthcare-acquired COVID-19 in Wales. Despite being in healthcare settings, patients in hospitals and other in-patient environments faced an increased risk of hospital-acquired COVID-19. In response to this, the National Nosocomial COVID-19 Programme was set up in April 2022 as a collective membership of health boards and trusts .