Publish date: 29 December 2022
Prevalence of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses including Influenza is increasing nationally, across our communities, and within the Trust. Prevalence is also expected to continue to increase into January 2023. Unfortunately, uptake of COVID-19 and Influenza vaccinations by staff are below the national target of 40%. Staff can access COVID-19 and Influenza vaccinations by following this link to YourSpace.
From tomorrow, 30 December 2022, the use of masks will be re-introduced as mandatory across all patient facing areas as set out below.
Patient facing (clinical) areas – this is any indoor area accessible by patients or members of the public. Therefore it includes: wards, reception areas, corridors, all communal areas within hospitals, walk in centres, community clinic areas and domiciliary care settings. Masks must be worn by all staff in these areas, at all times. Masks may be removed in remote, off ward administration office areas, providing these areas cannot be accessed by patients or members of the public.
Visitors will not be mandated to wear masks but encouraged to access masks as a personal choice, as well as alcohol gel, at all hospital, clinic and ward entrances.
Office areas will not be mandated to wear masks but we will continue to supply masks for any staff who wish to wear them. Staff must be diligent with hand hygiene and ensure workspaces are cleaned in between each use.
Staff working in other healthcare settings, including acute trusts, should be compliant with local policies within these organisations.
This guidance will be reviewed on 10 January 2023.
Please can all staff ensure they are fully vaccinated to protect themselves, each other and our patients.