Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust is asking visitors to support the Trust by wearing a mask when visiting patients in designated clinical areas to help protect patients, visitors and staff as respiratory infections increase. From Wednesday 28 October, staff will be required to wear face masks in areas including hospital wards, emergency and assessment areas, treatment and examination rooms and some specialist clinics, subject to appropriate clinical exceptions and reasonable adjustments.
The decision follows an increase in respiratory infections, including influenza A and COVID-19, circulating in the community and across healthcare settings.
Beth Swanson, Chief Nurse and Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Gateshead Health, said:
“We are seeing an increase in respiratory infections across our services and are introducing additional precautions to protect our patients, staff and visitors.
“Many of the people we care for are particularly vulnerable to respiratory infections, so wearing face masks in clinical areas is an important measure to help reduce the risk of infection spreading.
“We will review the requirements every week using the latest local data and clinical advice, and make changes when it is appropriate to do so.”
Dr Jonathan Moore, Consultant Medical Microbiologist at Gateshead Health, said:
“Respiratory viruses, including influenza A and COVID-19, are circulating in our communities and hospitals.
“Vaccination and wearing a face mask can help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses and protect vulnerable patients and colleagues. Prevention starts with us, and the simple steps we take can make a difference.”
Alongside wearing face masks, the Trust is reminding patients, visitors and staff to:
- Clean their hands regularly, particularly when entering and leaving clinical areas.
- Cover coughs and sneezes and dispose of tissues appropriately.
- Take up flu and COVID-19 vaccinations if eligible.
- Avoid visiting patients when experiencing respiratory symptoms.
- Follow any additional infection prevention guidance from clinical teams.
Face masks will not be required in non-clinical areas. The measures will be reviewed weekly, with any changes communicated to staff, patients and visitors.
Masks will be available to visitors and patients when they arrive in hospital. If visitors are unsure whether they need to wear a face mask, please speak to a member of staff who will be happy to advise.