Hospital trust introduces new face mask rules
LDRSNew face mask rules have been introduced at an NHS trust following an "increase in respiratory illnesses", including flu.
Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust in Nottinghamshire has also advised anyone with flu or Covid-like symptoms not to visit its medical centres in a move announced on Friday.
The face mask rule applies to people attending the emergency department, children's admissions unit, radiology, surgical admissions unit, and transitional care hub at King's Mill Hospital in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
It is also in effect at the Urgent Treatment Centre in Newark.
The reintroduction of face masks comes days after hospital bosses asked the public to help ease the pressure on its "overcrowded" emergency department by only attending in an emergency.
"Rates of infection are kept under constant review and studies indicate that introducing the wearing of masks is one of the ways that we can prevent the spread of infection in our hospitals," the trust said in a statement.
"It is vital that we take decisive action to protect our most vulnerable patients, visitors and colleagues to ensure we can keep essential services running for all those that need them over the coming weeks."
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