Visitors to Doncaster hospitals told they have to wear face masks

All visitors to Doncaster’s hospitals and health services are being told they must wear a facemask from Monday.

Following Government guidance, from Monday June 15 anyone visiting or attending a hospital or community health service run by Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) or Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH), must wear a suitable face covering.

All visitors and outpatients are asked to wear face coverings, and all staff will have to wear surgical masks at all times and in all hospital and clinical areas from Monday 15 June, following Government advice. Similar rules will also be in place for people using public transport.

Hospital officials say it follows established advice which recommends the use of masks in some enclosed spaces when social distancing isn't possible.

The Government is recommending simple, double-ply coverings which can bemade at home, or bought. NHS staff will use surgical masks.

Dr Ken Agwuh, Consultant microbiologist and director of infection prevention and control at DBTH, said: “Both locally and nationally cases of Covid-19 continue to decline. It is now more important than ever that we manage any further outbreaks and ensure we take all appropriate steps to minimise the spread of the illness in our hospitals and related care settings, as we begin to see the easing of lockdown measures.

“If you are visiting a DBTH or RDaSH service, please wear an appropriate face covering. This doesn’t just offer you a level of protection, it also ensures that you are not spreading any coughs, sneezes or other expulsions. You can be completely without symptoms and still have Covid-19 so every measure you can take will help.

“In South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw, we have made good progress and local rates of infection continue to decline. We want to ensure that this continues – please do this for Doncaster, Worksop and the local area and help us make this a Covid-19 free zone.”

Emergency patients at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Bassetlaw Hospital or Montagu Hospital will be given face coverings by receptionists.

Masks must also be worn on public transport from Monday.