A Welsh health board has asked families "to think twice" before visiting loved-ones in hospital following an increase in respiratory illnesses. The move by Swansea Bay University Health Board follows a significant jump of more than 170 cases of flu, Covid, and several other viral respiratory infections at its hospitals in the past week.
A health board spokesman said it had resulted in huge pressures on staff and services. Jennifer Davies, Deputy Director of Public Health in Swansea Bay, said: “Our infection control team are reporting continued increased rates of a range of respiratory infections including flu and Covid amongst others, along with diarrhoea and vomiting, affecting patients in our hospitals.
“If you are planning to visit friends or relatives in our hospitals and you are feeling unwell in any way, or are caring for anyone who is unwell, please stay at home and visit them when you are feeling better. We know how important it is to visit a relative or close friend who is in hospital, particularly at this time of year but we ask that if you have any respiratory symptoms or feel under the weather, even if you’re not testing positive for Covid, to please postpone your visit until you feel better.
"This will help limit the spread and protect both our patients and staff. If you are coming, and you are well, please remember to wash your hands, use the hand gel and wear a mask.” You can get more Swansea news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
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The advice comes just days after health board chiefs warned that Covid, flu and other respiratory illnesses were rife in their hospitals and circulating on most, if not all, wards. They said there had been been "a big jump in a range of respiratory infections", rising from 31 confirmed cases on December 17 to 66 by December 22. They said masks had been reintroduced in most areas of the hospitals as a result.
Jennifer added that it wasn’t too late to get a Covid vaccination to help reduce the virus's spread. She said: “Vaccinations are an important form of protection from serious illnesses including flu and Covid infections. It’s not too late to get yours. Just visit the Covid booster and flu vaccinations page on our website.”
With Morriston Hospital’s emergency department particularly busy at this time people are being reminded to only attend if absolutely necessary. If you are unwell please go to the 111 Wales website first to check symptoms and get advice on next steps www.111.wales.nhs.uk, the health board has asked.
"You can also visit your local pharmacy for advice and medicines for many common conditions and illnesses. If you or a child over one have a minor injury such as a cut or minor burn, sprains or broken bones our Minor Injury Unit (MIU) is open between 7.30am and 11.00pm, seven days a week, at Neath Port Talbot. Hospital, Baglan Way, Port Talbot, SA12 7BX. The MIU cannot treat serious illnesses or injuries."
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