Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust reintroduce facemasks at Newark, King’s Mill and Mansfield Community Hospitals amid rising respiratory conditions

Facemask rules have been reintroduced at a number of hospitals after a rise in respiratory conditions among patients and staff.

Masks have been reintroduced in all clinical areas and all clinical waiting areas at Newark Hospital and Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s two other sites, King’s Mill Hospital and Mansfield Community Hospital.

The new guidance came into effect yesterday (January 9), following an increase in respiratory conditions, including covid-19 and flu, among patients and trust employees.

Patients, visitors and employees at the hospitals are now being asked to wear masks, which are available from mask stations throughout the hospitals, at all times in clinical areas and waiting areas to protect themselves and others.

People who are preparing to visit are urged not to do so if they have any signs of illness, particularly if they have any cold, flu or covid-like symptoms, diarrhoea or vomiting in the past three days, or if they have been in contact with anyone who has had these types of illness.

Rates of infection are kept under constant review and studies indicated to the trust that re-introducing the wearing of masks is one of the ways to prevent the spread of infection.

The trust stated: “It is vital that we take decisive action to protect our most vulnerable patients, visitors and colleagues to ensure we can keep vital services running for all those that need them over the coming weeks.”

Staff, patients and visitors are encouraged to wash their hands frequently with soap and water and use the alcohol gel provided, in addition to wearing facemasks, to help reduce the spread of infections.

Facemask requirements will be kept under constant review.