Face coverings compulsory for all visitors to our hospital
From Monday 15 June all visitors to our hospitals must wear face coverings to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19.
Starting Monday, patients and other visitors to our hospitals will be required to wear a face covering in all of our hospitals.
This should be worn upon arrival and in waiting areas, including corridors, cafes and restaurants.
Face coverings can be made of cloth and be reusable, in line with government guidance on the use of face coverings for public transport.
For visitors without a face covering, disposal surgical face masks will be provided.
Wearing a face covering may be difficult for some people due to physical or mental health conditions. In these instances, other measures will be considered on a case by case basis, for example timed appointments and being seen immediately on arrival.
Visitors entering clinical areas in our hospital will be required to don a new mask, in line with the infection control requirements for that area.
Our current visitor policy, which limits visiting to exceptional circumstances, remains in place.
From the same date, all NHS staff, irrespective of role, will be required to wear a surgical face mask in our hospitals at all times when in places that don’t already require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
This includes areas which are staff only, such as staff rooms, as well as public areas such as corridors and waiting areas, lifts, side rooms and other communal spaces such as cafes and restaurants.