A NEW service that will allow relatives to send messages to their loved ones in hospital during the Covid-19 pandemic is being launched.

Visiting at all North Wales hospitals has been suspended to help prevent the spread of virus.

With this in mind, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) has set up a new 'Letter to Loved Ones' service.

This allows families to submit an emailed message which will then be delivered to patients. Messages will be delivered in the post or by an identified email to the wards.

Dr James Davies, MP for Vale of Clwyd, said: "It must be extremely difficult for people who have a loved one in hospital at this time as they are unable to visit them. This service enables them to maintain contact and will provide a much needed boost to patients.

“I wish to thank the health board for setting up this service, particularly given all the pressures they are currently under.

“Receiving a message from home is the next best thing to having their family at their bedside and I know this service will be greatly appreciated by all patients who are in hospital, for whatever reason, at this worrying time.”

BCUHB’s Patient Advice and Support Service is managing the process and is in the process of finalising making arrangements for each of the health board’s hospital sites.

The health board is unable to return a response from loved ones, and to protect patient confidentiality, the service is unable to provide updates relating to the treatment or any other detail of a person in our care.

Visit bcuhb.nhs.wales/contact-us/letter-to-loved-ones