Ysbyty Enfys

Ysbyty Enfys (Welsh for "Rainbow Hospital") refers to a series of temporary hospitals established in Wales during the COVID-19 pandemic. These hospitals were set up to increase the capacity of the National Health Service (NHS) in Wales to handle the surge in patients requiring treatment for COVID-19.

History

The concept of Ysbyty Enfys was developed in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, which began in late 2019. As the number of cases in Wales increased, it became clear that existing hospital facilities might not be sufficient to cope with the anticipated number of patients. The Welsh Government, in collaboration with the NHS and other partners, initiated the creation of these temporary hospitals.

Locations

Several Ysbyty Enfys facilities were established across Wales, including:

• Ysbyty Enfys Dragon's Heart - Located in the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, this was the largest of the temporary hospitals, with a capacity of up to 2,000 beds.
• Ysbyty Enfys Llandudno - Situated in the Venue Cymru conference center in Llandudno, this facility provided additional capacity for the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.
• Ysbyty Enfys Deeside - Located in the Deeside Leisure Centre, this hospital served the needs of the local community in Flintshire.

Operations

Ysbyty Enfys hospitals were designed to provide care for patients with less severe symptoms of COVID-19, thereby freeing up capacity in existing hospitals for those requiring more intensive treatment. The facilities were equipped with essential medical equipment and staffed by healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and support staff.

Closure

As the initial wave of the pandemic subsided and the pressure on healthcare facilities decreased, many of the Ysbyty Enfys hospitals were decommissioned. The temporary nature of these hospitals meant that they could be quickly set up and dismantled as needed.

Legacy

The establishment of Ysbyty Enfys hospitals demonstrated the ability of the NHS and the Welsh Government to rapidly respond to a public health crisis. The experience gained from setting up and operating these facilities has provided valuable lessons for future emergency preparedness and response efforts.

See also

• COVID-19 pandemic in Wales
• National Health Service (NHS)
• Field hospital
• Principality Stadium
• Venue Cymru
• Deeside Leisure Centre