Flu cases prompt return of face masks at Staffordshire and Cheshire's hospitals
It's as cases of flu continue to rise with wards "full to bursting".
Last updated 9th Jan 2025
People are a being asked to start wearing face masks again at some of Staffordshire and Cheshire's main hospitals.
Due to rising cases of flu and other seasonal viruses, Mid Cheshire Hospitals is reintroducing face masks in clinical areas of its hospitals from Thursday, 9 January 2025.
The change to the Trust’s face masks guidance means:
• Patients and visitors are strongly urged to wear a face mask in all of Mid Cheshire Hospitals’ clinical locations;
• They are not required to wear a mask in non-clinical areas.
Masks will be provided in relevant areas of each site.
People preferring to wear a face mask in any part of the Trust’s hospitals will be supported to do so.
Patients with suspected or confirmed respiratory infection will continue to be asked to wear a face mask.
It remains important for all patients and visitors to continue to practise good hand hygiene by washing their hands with soap and water regularly while visiting our sites.
Mid Cheshire Hospitals is also asking patients and visitors to:
• Adhere to the times and numbers of visitors allowed in its ward guidelines.
• Follow other guidance on preventing infection and using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if advised by staff.
Dr Clare Hammell, Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, said: “In line with Trusts across the country, we’re seeing rising cases of flu and other seasonal illnesses which are having a significant impact on our already stretched NHS. It’s important that we take steps to address this to protect our patients, visitors and staff.
“We’re asking for everyone’s support to stop the spread of flu and other winter viruses. Evidence tells us that wearing a mask can help and without face masks, the risk of transmitting and spreading infections is increased.
“We will keep these temporary measures under review in the coming weeks. We’d like to thank our patients and visitors for helping to protect themselves, others and our NHS.”
A similar picture in Staffordshire
The University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, which runs Royal Stoke Hospital and County Hospital in Stafford is asking staff to wear masks in their emergency portals, so areas such as A&E, Children’s A&E, Same Day Emergency Care etc.
Guidance for patients and visitors hasn’t changed meaning there's no requirement, but they can wear a face mask or PPE if they choose to do so.
Matthew Lewis, Chief Medical Officer at UHNM, said: "As of 8 January there were 85 adult inpatient cases of flu across Royal Stoke University Hospital and County Hospital, Stafford, with this figure likely to increase.
“After the festive period and attendance at social gatherings we are likely to see increase in all respiratory infections during the next few weeks with flu likely to peak within next two weeks.
"The public can support our hospitals and reduce pressures on our services by making sure they are vaccinated against flu and covid-19, and only attending A&E in an emergency. Urgent medical advice is available through NHS 111, their local pharmacy, GP, or Walk in Centre.
"I also ask patients and visitors with symptoms of flu, norovirus, covid-19 and other respiratory illnesses, to avoid coming to hospital unless absolutely necessary."
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