The mandatory rule comes into force immediately
The hospital issued a statement earlier this week(Image: Derby Telegraph)
A Derbyshire hospital has reintroduced mandatory face masks following the rise of flu cases in the premises. Chesterfield Royal Hospital issued a statement on Tuesday (November 4) asking colleagues, patients and visitors to wear “fluid repellent” surgical face masks when visiting the hospital.
Anyone who enters the hospital will be required to wear a mask, unless they are exempt. The rule came into force immediately, and effects the following areas:
Emergency DepartmentEmergency Management UnitSurgical Assessment UnitAcute Frailty UnitShort Stay UnitPaediatric Assessment UnitMedical SDEC (Same Day Emergency Care)Surgical SDECHasland WardRobinson WardMacmillan NGS UnitBirth CentrePAU
The hospital says it is in response to a rise in flu cases in the hospital and in according with its agreed thresholds which are reviewed regularly. Krishna Kallianpur, chief nurse at the hospital, said: “We have not taken this decision lightly, but the rise in flu cases has meant we needed to take action to promote safety for our patients and colleagues.
“We are urging our patients and community to support us with this – and to take up the option of a vaccine.” The hospital added that masks “do not need to be worn” in non-clinical areas.