Consultant's fears over 'second, third, maybe fourth' wave of coronavirus
A leading consultant working in one of the areas with the highest number of coronavirus cases in Wales says doctors are "really worried" about a second, third or "maybe fourth" wave of coronavirus.
Dr Nerys Conway, Clinical Lead & Consultant at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital said it is a concern of hers that the virus will return, but it is "the responsibility of the community" to ensure that does not happen.
Dr Conway said they are seeing more people being admitted to hospital with non-Covid related illnesses, after Wales passed the peak of the virus.
"We also recognise that many patients are at home waiting for treatment and we are looking into that on a daily basis to ensure we can start those services as safely and as soon as we can."
The health board area currently has around 496 cases per 100,000 of the population - the highest number of cases in Wales.
Dr Conway has used social media to urge people to stay at home after cases surged in the area of Rhondda Cynon Taff.
During mental health awareness week, Dr Conway said the biggest challenge for her has been treating colleagues and "close friends" and urged people working within the health service to realise that it "is OK not to be OK."
"We've got a fantastic wellbeing service -we have dedicated psychologists and we're also encouraging each other to talk and realise it is OK not to be OK - and we're being a little kinder to one another."
The consultant said working through the crisis has "been really tough."
"I haven't been able to see my parents, that's been really hard.
"My husband has been my rock - he is working as well full time and has a busy job. We have a two-year-old to run after too, but I know how tough it is for everyone."
Dr Conway had previously told ITV she had seen a surge in admissions at the peak of the virus, treating many patients in their thirties, forties and fifties.
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"They have no medical problems they are fit and well. They barely see their GP, and it is very worrying times", she said.
When asked why she think she is treating so many young people, Dr Conway told ITV News her concern is that people are not following social distancing guidelines as they should.
"We take our health for granted especially when we're young", Dr Conway said.
"Previously we thought this was just a virus that affects the vulnerable and elderly, but it's not. I am seeing people my age that are going to critical care and that is incredibly worrying."