First patient arrives at Wales' largest temporary field hospital at Principality Stadium

A temporary hospital based at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff has received its first patient.

Ysbyty Calon y Ddraig or The Dragon's Heart Hospital was opened on April 20 to meet increased demand for beds during the coronavirus pandemic.

A video tweeted by Cardiff & Vale University Health Board shows a St John ambulance arrive at the new facility which can hold up to 2,000 beds for Covid-19 patients.

St John Ambulance said it was another "key moment" in their 100-year history.

The new hospital has around 750 beds on the pitch, with 250 on platforms around it with patients being treated in large tent-like structures and the hospitality boxes.

The facility is described as a “step-up and step down” hospital for patients who are coming to the end of their coronavirus treatment and require rehabilitation and support as part of their recovery.

On-site equipment include mobile x-ray, CT scanners, a pharmacy and an end-of-life pathway of care for people in the last weeks or days of their life.

Vaughan Gething AM said it would be a Credit: ITV Cymru Wales

Health Minister Vaughan Gething has previously said on ITV Cymru Wales that if Wales’ field hospitals are not used, “it is a sign of a success story."

The Assembly Member said the new hospital and careful planning meant critical care capacity in Wales had more than doubled. He said that field hospitals will be in place and ready to accept patients for “a number of months.”

On Tuesday, figures by the Office for National Statistics show the number of deaths in Wales related to coronavirus had passed 1,000.

In the week up to April 17 - and registered up to April 25 - deaths involving Covid-19 was reported as 1,016.

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