Masks to be worn at hospital trust as flu cases rise

Visitors at an NHS trust are being asked to wear face masks across its site as cases of respiratory illnesses rise.

The Royal Berkshire NHS Trust, which runs the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, announced the measure is to help its "vulnerable patients and staff".

Masks should be worn in "high-risk patient-facing areas", including its emergency department, eye casualty and medical assessment unit areas, the trust said.

Anyone who has felt unwell with a cough, cold or flu-like symptoms or has had diarrhoea or been sick in the past 48 hours are advised against attending or visiting the hospital.

The Frimley Health NHS Trust, which runs other sites in Slough, Ascot and Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey, announced similar measures last week after it saw a rise in a "particularly virulent" strain of flu.

A respiratory consultant at that trust Dr Gareth Roberts said: "The steps that we are taking are not something that we take lightly but it is very important for us to be able to protect our staff and patients.

"It is vital that we ensure our staff are fit and well."