Harrogate NHS trust puts out warning about face masks

An NHS trust that runs hospitals in Harrogate and Ripon is asking people visiting patients to wear face masks on wards.

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust says a growing number of visitors are refusing to follow hospital guidance in areas where face masks are required.

Some are also removing masks when they get onto wards, and are becoming aggressive toward staff when asked to wear a mask.

The trust said coronavirus remains a "significant threat" to people's health, and more and more patients are being admitted with respiratory illnesses as we head into winter.

Dr Jacqueline Andrews, Medical Director at HDFT said: “We may no longer be at the height of the pandemic, but COVID-19 continues to be a threat for the people in our care and we must do all we can to protect them and the staff who look after them.

“Should a patient contract COVID-19 from a visitor, it can lead to a prolonged stay at the hospital due to the need for them isolate.

“Wearing a face mask is simple to do and can make a real difference."

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