Chesterfield Royal Hospital in Derbyshire has reintroduced mandatory face masks for all staff, patients, and visitors due to a surge in flu cases within its premises. This precautionary measure aims to safeguard the health of everyone in the hospital environment.
From now on, anyone entering the hospital must wear a fluid repellent surgical mask, unless they have a valid exemption. This policy aligns with the hospital’s regularly reviewed safety thresholds, designed to respond promptly to changing infection rates.
Chief Nurse Krishna Kallianpur emphasized the importance of the decision: “We have not taken this decision lightly, but the increase in flu cases requires us to take action to protect our patients and colleagues. We encourage everyone in our community to support these measures and consider getting vaccinated.”
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While masks are mandatory in clinical areas, such as the Emergency Department, Surgical Assessment Unit, and Paediatric Assessment Unit, they are not required in non-clinical zones.
The hospital’s mask mandate currently applies to several clinical units, including:
- Emergency Department
- Emergency Management Unit
- Surgical Assessment Unit
- Acute Frailty Unit
- Short Stay Unit
- Paediatric Assessment Unit
- Medical Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC)
- Surgical SDEC
- Hasland Ward
- Robinson Ward
- Macmillan NGS Unit
- Birth Centre
- Paediatric Assessment Unit (PAU)
These steps aim to reduce flu transmission and maintain a safe environment for patients and healthcare workers alike.