December 12, 2025 - 516 views
Patients, visitors and staff are now being asked to wear face masks in North Wales hospitals to reduce the spread of flu and other winter illnesses.
Following a significant increase in flu cases during the past week, masks are required in Emergency Departments and other high-risk areas, with exemptions for health conditions.
Increased cleaning and ventilation measures are also being taken, and the public is urged to take winter vaccines, practice good hygiene and avoid visiting hospitals if sick.
A spokesperson for the Betsi Cadwalladr Health Board said: "Our infection prevention teams have been closely monitoring cases of flu and other winter illnesses at our hospitals, and have been assessing levels of infection on a daily basis.
"The number of cases of flu and other respiratory illnesses in our hospitals has risen in recent weeks. Our teams have now agreed that introducing masks in some areas is a necessary precaution to help reduce the spread.
"This will help to reduce the risk of transmission of flu and other winter viruses to other potentially vulnerable patients.
"As part of our response, our teams will also step up cleaning procedures at our hospitals and increase ventilation where possible. In some areas, it may be necessary to restrict visiting based on local risk assessments – please speak to our ward and department staff for advice, or if you have any concerns."
The Health Board has also appealled to the public to help them limit 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 one of our hospitals.
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 of our wards or clinical areas.
Avoiding sitting on patient beds, or using patient toilets. Please ask our staff where you can find the nearest visitor toilet.
Covering your mouth if you sneeze or cough. Please 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.
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.”
