Skip to main content

Be a Responsible Visitor

Be a responsible visitor - person holding patient

We’re are starting to see more illnesses, such as ‘flu, colds, and stomach bugs in our communities and in hospitals. Here’s what you can do to help the NHS keep bugs at bay.

Don’t visit hospital if you have a cold, ‘flu, a stomach bug, or other virus that could be passed on to others.

And if you’ve been told that the ward you’re visiting is ‘closed’ please stay away.

We know how important it is for our patients who are staying in hospital to receive visitors; it can help them feel connected to family and friends, keep the body and mind active, and can aid recovery. If you are one of a number of visitors to a single patient, you can help by agreeing together to minimise the number of visitors at any one time.

By being a responsible visitor you’ll help keep your loved one safe whilst they are in hospital, and will avoid spreading illnesses to other patients. Remember: a cold or a stomach bug may be inconvenient for you, but it could be far more serious for patients who are unwell or vulnerable.

Being a responsible visitor means you’ll also help prevent NHS staff becoming ill, and can help ensure our staff are fit, healthy and able to provide care and treatment for you and your loved ones.

Get your vaccinations. If you’re offered a vaccination against ‘flu, COVID, or other illness, please take it! Getting vaccinated is the best thing you can do to keep yourself well this winter and will help prevent you spreading illnesses to family members, work colleagues, and others.

If you are ill and would like advice on treating your symptoms at home, use the symptom checker at NHS 111 Wales - Check Your Symptoms.

26/09/2024