Mask wearing returns at Colchester Hospital amid surge in covid cases
Visitors to hospitals run by the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust are being urged to wear face coverings
Visitors to Colchester Hospital are once again being urged to wear face masks after a surge in the number of local Covid-19 cases.
The rule will also apply to other hopsitals run by the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust including Ipswich, Aldeburgh, Bluebird Lodge, Clacton, Felixstowe, Halstead and Harwich.
The rules will apply from today (September 28) and cover all general adult wards including maternity and children’s wards.
Trust Chief Nurse Giles Thorpe said: “Sadly we have seen an increase in the number of patients who have Covid-19, so we are having to enhance infection prevention and control measures in our wards and departments.
“That is why we are asking visitors to do their bit again now and help stop the spread of Covid-19 in our hospitals by wearing a surgical face mask when they visit.
“We appreciate face masks are no longer required in many areas of our day to day lives, but our hospitals are not the same as a supermarket or a restaurant. Many of our patients are already extremely unwell and could be at higher risk of serious illness if they pick up COVID-19.
“As healthcare professionals it is our responsibility to keep them safe, and visitors can play their part in that too.”
“If you cannot wear a surgical face mask, we can offer you a visor as an alternative.
“Please speak to a member of our ward staff if you are unable to wear any form of face protection. They will be able to help you visit your loved one safely."