The measures aim to ‘keep vulnerable patients safe’
LRI, Leicester Royal Infirmary main pedestrian Entrance.(Image: Leicester Mercury / Chris Gordon)
Face masks have been reintroduced at two Leicester hospitals amid an increasing number of patients with respiratory illnesses. The NHS said it is asking all patients and visitors in the Emergency Department, at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, and the Clinical Decision Unit, at the Glenfield Hospital, to wear a face covering.
The organisation said the measures had been brought in to help keep “vulnerable” patients safe, as well as its staff. Face masks will only be “required” in the areas mentioned above in each of the two hospitals.
This decision comes after the NHS said it was treating more people with respiratory illnesses, such as COVID-19 and the wave of the Status and Nimbus variants.
As well as patients, the organisation said there was also an increase in the number of staff becoming unwell “due to these illnesses”. The NHS highlighted that an increase in patients and a reduction in staff numbers can have a “significant impact” on how quickly people can receive the “right care, at the right time”.
The NHS said it had “not yet” asked for masks to be worn in all areas of the hospitals, to help them provide a “measured response”. Face masks are provided in stations at the hospital main entrances and in outpatient clinics.
People have been reminded to practice good hand hygiene, such as washing with soap or water, and using hand sanitiser. The NHS said these measures have been shown to “reduce the risk” of catching and spreading infections.
Finally, the NHS added it would keep the situation “under regular review”. It said it would respond to changes in infection rates in communities and hospitals, and national guidance on infection prevention.