Face masks and visiting restrictions across our hospitals as flu continues to have a significant impact
With flu continuing to cause significant challenges in our hospitals, we are strengthening our response in order to protect patients and staff.
From today, staff and visitors, as well as patients where appropriate, are asked to wear face masks at all times.
This measure can reduce the risk of transmitting respiratory viruses and help minimise the risk of anyone carrying a virus passing it on to others.
Additional measures are also in place, including temporary restrictions on visiting and the testing of symptomatic patients.
The risk of acquiring flu is high as case numbers are increasing across Wales. In Swansea Bay alone, there are 20 wards with inpatients with influenza, with 53 confirmed cases and 93 exposed contacts.
There has also been an increase in staff absence because of flu, something which is causing particular operational pressures given the time of year.
To help mitigate this, we are asking all staff, visitors and, where appropriate, patients, to wear face masks throughout our sites.
Masks will be made available at the volunteers desks at the front entrances to Singleton, Neath Port Talbot and Morriston hospitals.
Unfortunately, the prevalence of flu has meant the temporary reintroduction of visiting with a purpose on all wards.
This allows for one friend or relative to visit a patient under special circumstances. For example, visiting someone who is in the last days of their life, or who has a memory impairment, or who needs a high level of emotional support.
In other words, when a visit is considered crucial for a vulnerable patient’s wellbeing. This must be agreed in advance with ward staff, and visiting is restricted to one hour a day.
Visiting in assessment areas is by permission of the ward manager only.
Unfortunately visiting for more general social reasons is suspended for now.
Swansea Bay’s Interim Director of Nursing and Patient Experience, Hazel Powell, said: “Seasonal flu is affecting patients on several wards and infection prevention actions are being taken.
“Our local community can help us avoid outbreaks by not visiting family and friends in hospital 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.”
Vaccinations are available this week on Thursday 2nd January and Friday 3rd January in the Aberafan Shopping Centre LVC from 9.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-4.30pm.
The Immbulance will also be located at Morfa Retail Park, Swansea, on Friday 3rd January, with the same opening hours as the Aberafan LVC.
Keep an eye on our social media for further clinic dates.
Follow this link for further information on flu and other vaccines.
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