A THIRD temporary hospital site to cope with the increased demand caused by coronavirus is set to be placed in either Wrexham or Flintshire, a health board has said.

The news was confirmed as Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board announced that Bangor University’s sports and leisure facilities, in Gwynedd, 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.”

Mr Polin adds that the board appreciates the support received from Bangor University to help with accommodating this second site, as well as our colleagues at Gwynedd Council and Anglesey County Council.

The first North Wales site was revealed as Llandudno’s Venue Cymru – set to hold 350 beds and work alongside the existing capacity available at Llandudno Hospital in the fight against coronavirus.

The health board also said that an additional 80 beds are in development at Glan Clwyd Hospital, using void space left as part of the hospital’s recent redevelopment, which would be ready to use at the end of April.

Further south, the Principality Stadium in Cardiff will be converted into a 2,000 bed temporary field hospital.

Mr Polin continued: “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.”