Coronavirus: North Wales theatre transformed into Covid-19 hospital

A theatre in north Wales has been transformed into a temporary hospital for Covid-19 patients.

Venue Cymru in Llandudno is providing an additional 350 beds for patients who have respiratory problems as a result of the virus.

The temporary hospital will work alongside the existing Llandudno Hospital.

It has been called Ysbyty Enfys – which translates as the Rainbow Hospital. The venue’s technicians have lit the front of the building with rainbow colours as a “message of hope”, with the lights set to remain on for the duration of the hospital’s use.

Sam Rowlands, leader of Conwy County Borough Council, said: “We’re eager to do all we can to support our partners at this challenging time, and Venue Cymru was deemed a suitable choice because it offers sufficient space and infrastructure.

“Some of our services have temporarily closed and many of our staff have been redeployed to focus on our priority services, which we want to keep delivering for as long as possible.

“Repurposing buildings such as Venue Cymru is a key way we can help support the response effort in North Wales.”

Mark Wilkinson, executive director of planning and performance at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which oversees health services in the area, said: “The development of temporary hospitals is an important step in our efforts to respond to the challenge Covid-19 presents.

“We’re grateful for the support we’re receiving from all of our partners across North Wales in identifying and assessing potential locations for similar sites.”