Following a decrease in the number of cases of flu and respiratory illnesses across North Wales hospitals, patients, visitors and staff are no longer being asked to routinely wear face masks on hospital sites.

Hospital teams have seen a sustained reduction in the number of patients testing positive for flu over recent days. However, flu and other winter viruses are still circulating in the community, and the public is asked to continue supporting efforts to limit the spread of infection by taking simple precautions.

These include taking up winter vaccines if eligible, avoiding visiting loved ones in hospital when unwell, and managing mild to moderate symptoms of flu or other winter viruses safely at home.

Patients, visitors and staff may continue to wear a face mask if they wish. Face masks will remain available at hospital entrances and in clinical areas.

Some hospital areas caring for patients with weakened immune systems may continue to require mask-wearing, based on local risk assessments.

Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Angela Wood, said:

“This year’s flu season started early, with higher-than-usual numbers of patients with flu in North Wales during October and November, continuing to rise during the first few weeks of December.

Introducing face masks in our hospitals has helped to limit the spread of illness and protect vulnerable patients in our care. I would like to thank our patients, their families and loved ones, and all our staff for their support over recent weeks.

We continue to urge people to take care of themselves and follow simple steps to reduce their risk of illness, particularly during colder weather. Flu and other viruses are still circulating, so please protect yourself by taking up winter vaccines if you are eligible.”

People who are eligible can attend walk-in clinics for flu or COVID-19 vaccinations without an appointment. Additional walk-in vaccination clinics are available at locations across North Wales during January. Further information about clinic locations and times is available online.

Infection prevention teams continue to closely monitor cases of flu and other winter illnesses across hospital sites, with infection levels assessed daily. These arrangements will remain under review.

In some areas, visiting restrictions may still be required following local risk assessments. Patients and visitors are advised to speak with ward or department staff for guidance or if they have any concerns.

Limiting the spread of winter viruses

Members of the public are asked to help reduce the spread of winter viruses and prevent illness by:

  • Avoiding visiting loved ones in hospital if experiencing a cough, cold, sore throat or high temperature. Anyone with symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea should wait at least 48 hours after symptoms have resolved before visiting.

  • Taking up winter vaccines if eligible, to help protect vulnerable people and reduce virus circulation in the community. Additional flu and COVID-19 walk-in clinic dates are available during January.

  • Managing mild to moderate symptoms of flu or other winter viruses safely at home and avoiding passing illness on to others. Advice and treatments are available from local community pharmacies or NHS 111 Wales. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms or difficulty breathing should attend an Emergency Department.

  • Washing hands regularly or using hand sanitiser, especially before entering wards or clinical areas.

  • Avoiding sitting on patient beds or using patient toilets. Visitors should ask staff for directions to visitor toilet facilities.

  • Covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue where possible and disposing of it in a bin before washing hands. If a tissue is not available, coughing or sneezing into the crook of the elbow is advised.