There has has been an increase in patients with flu and other respiratory illnesses presenting at hospitals across the region
13:59, 17 Dec 2025Updated 15:40, 17 Dec 2025
Mask rules are being ramped up at North Wales hospitals(Image: Getty)
North Wales’ health board is asking people to wear masks in “all clinical areas” of its hospitals as the NHS battles a surge in “super flu” cases across the UK. Last week Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board [BCUHB] urged all patients, visitors and staff to wear face masks at emergency departments or other admission, assessment and triage areas of hospitals.
They have now extended that advice to all clinical areas amid concerns over the number of people falling sick with flu and other winter illnesses.
A BCUHB statement said: “We are extending face mask requirements following an increase in the number of patients with flu and other respiratory illnesses attending our sites over recent days.
“Anyone attending any of our hospitals in North Wales, including community hospitals, should wear a face mask unless they are exempt because of a health condition. We will be providing face masks at hospital entrances and in clinical areas.
“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.
“Increasing our face mask requirements will help to reduce the risk of transmission of flu and other winter viruses to potentially vulnerable patients.” Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
Executive director of nursing and midwifery Angela Wood added: “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.
“We do not take this step lightly. We know that wearing masks can be uncomfortable for our patients, their families and our staff — but believe it is necessary to introduce this measure now to help us mitigate the risk of outbreaks of potentially serious illness.
“It is critical that people in North Wales continue to support us by following simple advice which will help to keep vulnerable patients in our hospitals safer this winter.”
Health chiefs said the best protection against serious illness caused by flu is the annual NHS flu vaccine. To help more people access the vaccine, walk-in vaccination clinics have been opened for all eligible adults and school-aged children, in locations across North Wales.
They are also asking the public to help 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 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, attend an Emergency Department.Washing your hands or using hand sanitiser regularly, and before entering any of the health board’s 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.
The BCUHB statement added: “As part of our response, our teams have stepped up cleaning procedures at our hospitals and will increase ventilation where possible.
“We will continue to keep visiting arrangements under review. 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.”
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