THE current wave of Covid-19 cases sweeping across the country is causing a strain on health services in west Wales.

Hywel Dda Health Board, which covers Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, says that the current wave of Covid-19 infections is beginning to have a ‘serious negative impact’ with significantly higher than usual staff absences across hospitals, community services and primary care such as GP surgeries.

A health board spokesperson said this evening: “Our staff are working tirelessly each day in the face of unparalleled pressures and challenge.

“They continue to go above and beyond to prioritise the care and treatment of urgent and emergency patients.

“We are immensely proud of the collective effort that our whole workforce continues to make. “Unfortunately, we can confirm that the current wave of Covid-19 infections is beginning to have a serious negative impact, with significantly higher than usual staff absences across hospitals, community services and primary care, including GP surgeries.

“This means you may have to wait longer than usual, but all services continue to prioritise according to clinical need.”

Wales recorded more than 21,000 new cases of Covid-19 today according to the latest figures released by Public Health Wales, which cover a 48-hour period.

In the Hywel Dda region, Ceredigion recorded 462 new cases with 964 in Carmarthenshire and 695 in Pembrokeshire.