A TEMPORARY hospital in Llandudno may used to support the flu vaccination programme to protect vulnerable people and protect the NHS this winter.

Dr Paul Emmett, a GP from Craig y Don Medical Practice in Llandudno, and member of the BMA’s GP Committee, said his surgery is looking at using Ysbyty Enfys Llandudno (Rainbow Hospital Llandudno) to ‘safely deliver’ a minimum of 3,000 flu jabs.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) did not confirm that the venue would be used as a flu clinic, but did not rule out it being an option on the table.

Mark Wilkinson, executive director of Planning and Performance for BCUHB, said: “We are continuing to review how our temporary hospitals will be used over the coming months to support the delivery of a range of services.”

Venue Cymru was transformed into Ysbyty Enfys earlier this year in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Along with sister rainbow hospital sites in Bangor and Deeside, the field hospital remains on alert for a possible second coronavirus wave.

Dr Phil White, chair of General Practitioners Committee (GPC) Wales, said: “GP practices across Wales are working hard to support patients during the Covid-19 pandemic, however, flu remains a very real risk and with flu season approaching, we’re very aware of the importance of protecting as many people as possible. It’s vital that people take this seriously and get their flu vaccinations.

“It’s not unusual for practices to use external venues for flu clinics, and with the pandemic ongoing, we support efforts to roll out flu vaccinations as efficiently and safely as possible, whether this takes place within practices, externally or via ‘drive through’ clinics, with Covid-19 measures in place to ensure the safety of people in Wales.”

In July, Welsh Government minster for health, Vaughan Gething, spoke about Wales' largest ever flu campaign which will see more people benefit from the free flu vaccine programme.

Subject to confirmation by the UK Government, that additional vaccine supply will be available, those who will additionally be included in this year’s flu programme include: Households of people in the shielded group lowering the eligibility age from 65 to over 50 year olds – who will be vaccinated in a phased approach.

Venue Cymru confirmed this week that it would be closed for shows until December 1. Prior to this date, another review would be conducted.

Theatr Colwyn has re-opened for film screenings.

There is no news from the government about when live performances can be staged in Venue Cymru or Theatr Colwyn.