The Isle of Wight NHS Trust has announced that from Monday (15th June) all visitors and patients attending healthcare appointments must wear a face covering at all times.
In line with Government guidance, all members of the public needing to visit NHS sites will need to wear face coverings.
Wearing a face covering is one of a number of measures that is being put in place to help keep patients, visitors and staff safe.
Visiting restrictions at St Mary’s Hospital remain in place – people wanting to visit patients should phone the ward area in advance.
Alice Webster, Nursing Director at Isle of Wight NHS Trust, said:
“We would like to thank our island community for their continued support and to reassure them that we are taking every step to ensure that our healthcare facilities are safe for everyone and wearing face coverings to appointments is an additional measure that will help.
“From Monday when patients come to St. Mary’s Hospital they will see all staff wearing face masks, not just those working in clinical areas, and again this is to support the safety of everyone.
“We are also asking people to arrive at the time of their appointment, and not before and to come unaccompanied unless a chaperone is required. These measures will really help us to safely maintain social distancing.”
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Evidence suggests face coverings can help reduce the risk of transmission if you are suffering from coronavirus, but not showing symptoms. A face covering can be anything from a fancy fabric mask, to a quirky homemade creation made from a shirt or a sock to simply a scarf; as long as it covers the nose and mouth and you are able to breathe comfortably.
As the Trust try and limit the number of people visiting hospital, you will need to attend your appointment unaccompanied – this includes when attending for a blood test. However, patients are allowed to bring a chaperone with them if the patient is a child or they lack capacity.
Further information for patients and visitors is available at https://www.iow.nhs.uk/Patients-and-Visitors/.
Advice on how to make your own face covering is available here.
Will the hospital be supplying the masks ?
Should be interesting when I finally get my dental appointment! Lol
Left it a bit late haven’t they?..
About 12 weeks, that’s all.
Excellent news
Protection for staff and public.
Can we please see the Evidence from an independent scientist ( not one that works for the liars) that masks work or don’t work.
Odd that the advice till now has been masks were not necessary in the fight against the virus, and now, a face covering is required as protection ! !
When will the government make up its mind, next it will be a strip wash and clothes washed prior to appointments with a glass screen between patient and doctor.
And just WHAT is the definition of an Iske if Wight NHS site?
Does this include Doctors and Dentists, and for that matter Chiropractors, or just St Mary’s hospital?
Typical IoW NHS Trust.
Late to the party and muddled unclear thinking and instructions
Not Difficult is it.