Powys Teaching Health Board reintroduces mask-wearing for all staff and visitors to help tackle rise in winter infections

Powys Teaching Health Board is asking all staff and visitors to wear a mask in all clinical areas from 2 January 2025. This step is being taken to help protect patients and staff, particularly given the rising number of acute respiratory infections in our communities. Masks are being provided at the entrances to clinical departments so that visitors can protect themselves and their loved ones.

Visitors are also reminded that they should not attend hospital if they have the symptoms of respiratory infections or diarrhoea and vomiting.

Vaccination remains the single most important step that eligible individuals can take to protect themselves and their family from the consequences of flu this winter. If you are eligible for the flu vaccine and have not taken up the offer of free vaccination it is still available in Powys.

Powys Teaching Health Board Executive Director of Nursing, Quality, Women and Family Health, Claire Roche, said: “Flu and other respiratory infections are circulating in Powys.

“Our local community can help us avoid outbreaks by wearing a mask when you visit family and friends in hospital, and not visiting if feeling unwell.

“Annual flu vaccination is also undoubtedly the best way to protect you against catching or spreading flu. Not only can it prevent you from becoming very unwell, but it can also help reduce your risk of secondary infections, such as pneumonia, which can be very dangerous, particularly if you are clinically vulnerable.”

Helpful advice about winter ailments is available from NHS 111 Wales online.

More information about visiting arrangements is available from the Powys Teaching Health Board website.

Published 2 January 2025