Please wear a face covering when attending healthcare settings

The prevalence of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses remains high in our communities and is having a significant impact on our ability to cope with the unprecedented capacity pressures we are experiencing across the healthcare system.

In the interest of protecting colleagues, patients and families, the Health Board continues to review its current guidance. This also supports us to maintain service provision as we work through a challenging winter.

• All colleagues are now required to wear fluid-repellent surgical masks in clinical areas or when interacting with patients.

• We strongly encourage colleagues and patients to wear masks/face coverings across wider areas such as corridors and offices, particularly when in close proximity to others. This will further reduce the transmission of the full range of acute respiratory illnesses.

• We strongly encourage good social distancing practices where possible which will also help with reducing the spread of COVID-19 and other acute respiratory viruses.

Visiting

In order to improve visiting access, particularly over the festive period, the organisation took a proportionate response and relaxed visiting.

However, all visitors are now required to wear a fluid-repellent surgical mask to support us in preventing the transmission of COVID-19 and other acute respiratory viruses to their loved ones and staff. 

Please note that visitors will now also need to confirm that they do not have any symptoms.

We strongly encourage colleagues and the public to get their COVID-19 and flu vaccines when invited. This remains the best way to protect yourself and others against serious illness.

Thank you for your continued support and co-operation at this time. We continue to regularly review our guidance based on prevalence in our communities and our hospitals.

Please continue to exercise your personal judgement and responsibility to help us reduce the impact of respiratory illnesses.