Face coverings in hospital
(Updated on Friday 13 January 2023)
Guidelines for wearing face masks in healthcare settings have changed as part of the national living with COVID-19 strategy. From now on staff, patients and visitors will no longer be required to wear masks in most areas of our hospitals.
What has changed?
Masks
Non-clinical areas: Staff, patients and visitors are no longer required to wear facemasks in non-clinical areas in our hospitals, such as corridors and main entrances. However, a supply of masks will still be available at entrances for anyone who wishes to continue wearing a mask.
Clinical areas: Mask wearing must continue in some areas - see below.
- Accident and Emergency
- Same Day Emergency Care
- Medical Assessment Unit
- Surgical Assessment unit
- Respiratory Unit
- Areas where patients are immunocompromised.
- In some cases the patient may have an infection which requires this level of PPE
These areas will be clearly signposted with a supply of masks available. We would like to thank patients and visitors in advance for their ongoing support.
Please continue to use hand gel to decontaminate your hands at regular intervals around our hospital to prevent the spread of infection.
As the COVID-19 situation develops or changes, both inside and outside of our hospitals, we will keep this guidance under constant review and issue updates accordingly.