Visiting hospital in North Wales? You may need a mask again
Face masks have been reintroduced at hospitals across North Wales as part of efforts to reduce the spread of winter illnesses.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is asking patients, visitors and staff to wear a fluid-resistant face mask when attending the Emergency Department and other admission, assessment and triage areas, unless they are exempt because of a health condition
Masks will be available at the entrances of these departments. Other hospital areas caring for patients with weakened immune systems may also introduce mask-wearing, depending on local risk assessments.
The move comes amid a rise in flu and other winter illnesses across the region’s hospitals.
The health board says that cases of flu and other respiratory illnesses have risen in recent weeks and in a bid to prevent rates reaching high levels, masks are being introduced as a “necessary precaution to help reduce the spread.”
Besti Cadwaladr University Health Board is also urging the public to help reduce the spread of winter viruses and prevent illness by:
- Avoiding visiting loved ones in hospital if you have a cough, cold, sore throat, or a high temperature. Anyone with symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea must wait at least 48 hours after their symptoms end before visiting.
- Making sure you take up winter vaccines you are eligible for to help protect the most vulnerable against serious illness, and reduce the circulation of viruses in the community.
- Managing mild and moderate symptoms of flu or other winter viruses safely at home, and trying to avoid passing it on to others. Advice and remedies are available from local community pharmacies, or NHS 111 Wales. If you experience severe symptoms or have difficulty breathing, please attend an Emergency Department.
- Washing your hands or using hand sanitiser regularly, and before entering any wards or clinical areas.
- Avoiding sitting on patient beds, or using patient toilets.
- Covering your mouth if you sneeze or cough. Use a tissue and make sure you dispose of your tissue in a bin and wash your hands. If you do not have a tissue, sneeze of cough into the crook of your elbow.
Cleaning procedures and ventilation at hospitals across North Wales are also being stepped up.
Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Angela Wood said: “We monitor cases of flu and other winter infections every day, and are now introducing face masks in those areas of our hospitals where the risk is currently greatest.
“We are prepared to step up to compulsory masking in all areas of our hospitals if we judge that this is necessary in the days ahead.
“But we continue to urge people across North Wales to follow our simple guidance to help keep themselves and vulnerable people in our hospitals as safe as possible this winter. Thank you for your support.”
The health board has also warned that in some areas, it may be necessary to restrict visiting based on local risk assessments. Visitors are asked to contact the relevant ward and department staff for advice, or if they have any concerns.
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