Here we go again as Health Board tells staff and visitors to mask-up

Powys Teaching Health Board is asking staff and visitors to wear a mask in all clinical areas as we get hit by the seasonal sweep of bugs and illness.

The health board said that the move is necessary, particularly due to the rise in local acute respiratory infections, with masks provided at the entrances to clinical departments.

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

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.