Health and social care services across the Swansea Bay region have warned of disruption as they deal with a staffing crisis due to Covid infections they say is yet to reach its peak.
Community-based health and social care services in Neath Port Talbot and Swansea are said to be facing increasing pressures as staffing shortage concerns continue to grow.
Swansea Bay University Health Board said it might once again find itself in ‘emergency response mode’ - particularly with Omicron infections in the region yet to reach their predicted peak.
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A joint statement from the health board, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot councils and other organisations said: "With the level of Omicron transmission being significantly greater than the Delta variant, we are seeing large numbers of employees across all sectors having to isolate either because they have contracted the virus, or they have been identified as a contact of someone who has tested positive.
"We have learnt a lot from previous peaks of Covid-19 the significant amount of preparation and planning we have done will put us in the best possible position to manage this latest challenge successfully.
"As we strive to manage this escalating workforce crisis, we are advising residents who receive health and social care services that they may experience some short-term disruption in the coming weeks. We are currently bracing ourselves for the peak of the Omicron wave, which is expected in late January, and would be hugely grateful for the same level of patience and understanding you have demonstrated throughout this pandemic".
Covid case rates are falling in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot according to figures from Public Health Wales.
In Neath Port Talbot the case rate per 100,000 people fell from 785 to 696.4 in the most recently published figures for the seven days up to January 13. In Swansea the figure dropped from 746.6 to 643.3.
However, daily drops in the figures are expected as the change to testing rules filters through into the weekly infection rate. Anyone who has a positive lateral flow test, but does not have symptoms, will no longer need to take a PCR test to confirm they have Covid which will impact on testing figures.
The statement from the health board and councils said pressures were being felt across all sectors, but those experiencing particular strain were those services supporting the most vulnerable in society, such as district nursing, domiciliary care, day services and residential care.
Some care homes are operating at reduced capacity, and although the number of residents who are acutely ill is low thanks to the successful roll-out of the vaccination programme, the situation is becoming ever more challenging as staffing shortages continue to worsen, according to the health board.
The statement said 'all avenues' for the provision of additional capacity were being explored, and that they were working with other partner organisations to monitor the position 'which is currently changing by the hour'.
The spokesman added: "Thank you for bearing with us during this tremendously difficult period. Please be assured that we are working with partners across Neath Port Talbot and Swansea to build resilience in order to protect our most vulnerable residents during this critical time.
"If you have any queries or concerns about the support you or a loved one are receiving, please don’t hesitate to contact your service provider".
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