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Wearing a surgical mask while in hospital

You’ll only need to wear a facemask if you are advised to wear a facemask by Trust staff. This may be, for example, on wards and in departments where there may be patients with compromised immunity or in areas where cases of flu or COVID have been identified.

You are welcome to continue to wear a fluid resistant facemask if you would prefer to – facemasks are available on wards and at all entrances to our hospitals.

If you would prefer members of staff involved in your care to wear a facemask, please ask that they do so. Please also feel free to remind them to wash their hands – we want you to feel safe and comfortable in our care.

If directed to wear a face mask by a member of staff:

You may be asked to wear a face mask during your stay in hospital to prevent the spread of viruses and to protect you, your visitors, our staff and volunteers.

What type of face mask do I need to wear when in hospital?

A surgical face mask.

Will a face mask be provided and where do I get it from?

We will provide face masks.

How do I wear a face mask?

It is important the mask covers both your nose and mouth to give you maximum protection.

What if I cannot wear a face mask?

If you are exempt from wearing a surgical face mask, or it is agreed by the clinicians caring for you that wearing a mask may negatively affect your care, we can supply you with a visor to provide some protection to yourself, other patients and staff.

What do I do when I need to eat or drink?

  • You may remove your face mask to eat and drink and dispose of it in a bin
  • Wash or sanitise your hands before you eat and drink
  • Put a new mask on after eating and drinking – ask a member of staff if you don’t have one
  • Always wash or sanitise your hands before putting on a new mask

Can I take the face mask off when washing / sleeping / resting?

If you are in a ‘bay with other people, you must only remove your mask when eating, drinking or sleeping. We would ask you to wear a mask at all other times unless advised not to by one of our clinicians.

Do my visitors need to wear a face mask?

Yes, unless they are medically exempt.

Do I still have to wear a face mask if I’m in a room on my own?

Not if you are on you own, however, if anyone enters your room please put on your face mask to protect both yourself and the person who is in the room with you.

We would like to thank all patients and visitors for their ongoing co-operation with the wearing of surgical face masks.