NEWS that 350 extra beds at the new Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran may not be needed to help treat coronavirus patients has been welcomed by Newport West AM Jayne Bryant.

Earlier this week it was revealed beds at the new hospital - which was not due to open until next year - may not be needed to meet demand.

Newport West AM Md Bryant welcomed the news.

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She said: “Following the Welsh Government investment, the Grange University Hospital was due to partially open at the end of April.

"Although the extra 350 beds will be ready and available as planned, over the last few days it has been very welcome to know that the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board are unlikely to need to use the extra capacity.

"The health board have said that they will keep the situation under constant review in case evidence changes, and we must not be complacent.”

Ms Bryant also asked health minister Vaughan Gething what more can be done to assure and urge members of the public that they can call 999 in an emergency if they need to as there are critical beds available and for his assurances that the experiences learned by Aneurin Bevan University Health Board will be shared with others.

The Minister said: “If you have an urgent care need, the NHS is still open for business; we want you to come forward with your urgent care need. In some cases, it really can be the difference between saving someone's life or not.”

“I think it's the wrong time now to have a fully-fledged public inquiry; that would be a massive unnecessary distraction. We need to learn as we move, learn as we do, and of course there'll be a time when there needs to be a much fuller backward look about what's been done and why.”