Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has expanded its face mask policy in hospitals as cases of flu and other respiratory viruses continue to rise across the region, health officials have confirmed. 

Originally asking patients, visitors and staff to wear masks in specific high-risk areas such as Emergency Departments and assessment units, the health board’s latest guidance now requires face masks in all clinical areas of its hospitals, including community facilities. 

Masks will be provided at hospital entrances and inside clinical areas for anyone attending, unless they are exempt due to a health condition. Infection prevention teams have been closely tracking the increase in flu and other winter illnesses and reassessing infection control measures daily. 

Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Angela Wood emphasised the necessity of the expanded policy, saying the health board is prepared to take stronger precautions if infection levels continue to rise. “We have seen an increase in the number of cases of flu and other winter viruses in recent days and are now introducing face masks in all clinical areas of our hospitals to help reduce the potential for illnesses to be passed on,” she said. 

She acknowledged that mask-wearing can be uncomfortable for patients, visitors and staff but stressed that the measure is needed to protect vulnerable patients from potentially serious illness this winter. 

In addition to mask use, the health board is urging the public to help limit the spread of winter viruses by following simple precautions:

  • Avoid visiting hospitals if unwell, particularly with coughs, colds, sore throats or fever. People with vomiting or diarrhoea should wait at least 48 hours after symptoms end before visiting. 

  • Take up eligible winter vaccines, including the annual NHS flu jab, to protect against serious illness and help reduce circulation of viruses in the community.

  • Practice good hygiene, including regular hand washing or sanitising, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding sitting on patient beds or using patient toilets.

Hospital teams are also stepping up cleaning procedures and enhancing ventilation where possible, while visiting arrangements remain under review. In some wards, local risk assessments may lead to visiting restrictions. 

The latest move marks a significant expansion of infection control measures from earlier in the winter season, reflecting persistent pressures from seasonal viruses across North Wales health services.