Visiting restrictions lifted at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
7 April 2025
Following an incredibly challenging period during which we had to implemented a No Visiting Policy to manage Norovirus outbreaks across our hospital sites, we are pleased to confirm that these restrictions have now been lifted.
The temporary restrictions were essential to enable us to manage the outbreak and prevent the spread of infection and we would like to extend our sincere thanks to the community for their support and cooperation during this time. As a result of this support, we are now in a much-improved position and can restart visiting across our hospital sites.
Some areas of our hospitals remain affected by Norovirus and localised restrictions may still be in place. If the ward has been affected, the ward will be in touch directly with relatives to update them.
We would like to thank everyone for your understanding and support during this time. The decision to restrict visiting was not taken lightly, but it was a necessary step to protect our patients, staff, and visitors.
As visiting restrictions lift, we would like to reiterate the importance of following good hand hygiene practices. We would also like to remind visitors that if you are feeling unwell, especially with symptoms of Norovirus, or respiratory conditions, to please remain at home until you have been clear of symptoms for at least 48 hours.
If you are unsure of your symptoms, you can check them using the NHS 111 Wales online symptom checker, which has a wealth of information, advice and guidance for a range of different conditions.
Thank you once again for your support, resilience, and understanding to help us keep our hospitals safe.
4 April 2025
Due to the ongoing impact of the Norovirus outbreak across several of our hospital sites, we continue to experience patients who develop Norovirus, ward closures and reduced bed availability. While there are early signs of improvement, we are not yet in a position to safely ease visiting restrictions, as a number of patients remain symptomatic. Our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of our patients, staff, and visitors.
Jason Roberts, Executive Director of Nursing, acknowledges how difficult these visiting restrictions are for patients and their loved ones. He stresses that this decision has not been taken lightly, but is necessary to minimise the spread of infection and to protect patients and staff, receiving and delivering care.
The Health Board will review the visiting policy early next week and provide a further update as soon as it is safe to do so.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding during this challenging time.
28 March 2025
The impact of the Norovirus outbreak continues to affect a number of wards which is causing exceptional pressure on the system.
As a result of this challenging position, we have made the difficult decision to continue a No Visiting Policy. Again, this is not a decision we have taken lightly, but one that is imperative to protect our patients, staff and visitors and reduce the spread of infection.
Exceptions will be considered, particularly for those patients who are critically ill or receiving end of life care, birthing partners and the Children's Hospital for Wales. We will review these restrictions next week if the situation has improved.
Visitors who meet our visiting criteria will be expected to maintain good hygiene practice by washing their hands thoroughly with soap and water and adhering to Infection Prevention and Control precautions.
This policy relates to general visiting of patients and does not affect outpatient appointments. If patients have appointments with us, these will be going ahead unless you are contacted by the department directly to explain otherwise.
If you are feeling unwell, please remain at home until you have been clear of symptoms for at least 48 hours. Most Norovirus cases can be managed at home with rest, fluids and self-care and symptoms typically improve within 2 to 3 days.
If you are unsure of your symptoms, you can check them using the NHS 111 Wales online symptom checker, which has a wealth of information, advice and guidance for a range of different conditions. If you think you need urgent healthcare advice or to access out-of-hours services, please call 111 first and speak with a clinician. Please remember, our Emergency Unit should only be used for emergencies.
Thank you for your support and cooperation in helping to keep our patients, staff and visitors safe.