Important information regarding visiting patients

SEPTEMBER 2026

Influenza A is currently circulating at high levels within the community, increasing the risk of introduction and transmission within healthcare settings. As a precautionary measure, enhanced infection prevention and control measures have been implemented to protect patients, visitors, and staff. 

Following a brief closure due to a high number of Influenza A case numbers, both Hudson Ward and Poon Ward have now reopened to visitors. Staff and visitors are still required to wear surgical masks when entering these wards.

Mandatory Surgical Masks in Emergency Department:

Due to the increase burden of Influenza A in the community, surgical masks remain mandatory for all patients and visitors attending, and staff working in, the Emergency Department.

In addition to this, the following measures have been implemented reduce the risk of further transmission:

• Enhanced surveillance for respiratory symptoms among patients and staff. 
• Immediate isolation and implementation of Droplet Precautions for symptomatic patients. 
• Respiratory viral testing for symptomatic patients. 
• Mandatory surgical mask and eye wear use for staff in affected clinical areas. 
• Increased environmental cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces and shared equipment. 
• Ongoing monitoring and management by the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) team. 

To protect our patients and community, you can help by:

• Not visiting the hospital if you are unwell with respiratory symptoms. 
• Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow. 
• Cleaning your hands regularly with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. 
• Following all signage and instructions provided by staff. 
• Considering postponing non-essential visits if you have recently been exposed to someone with influenza.

General visting arrangements:

Visitors, patients and staff are reminded to adhere to cough etiquette & good hand hygiene. Visitors should not attend if unwell and symptomatic with an acute respiratory infection (ARI) or other infectious disease such as gastroenteritis.

Due to the vulnerable nature of our patients, there may be circumstances where masks could be required in other areas due to clinical need. This will be communicated via our staff members, but could include:

• Patients who present with acute respiratory infection (ARI) symptoms must wear a surgical mask (if tolerated)
• Visitors must wear the appropriate mask if visiting a patient with a confirmed or suspected ARI

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our community safe.