Masks return as winter bugs spread

Hospitals and a pharmacy in Welshpool are among medical facilities that have re-introduced mask wearing following a sharp increase in infection rates of Flu, Covid and Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

Rowlands Pharmacy in Welshpool issued its new guidance “to protect vulnerable patients and staff” to wear a face mask when visiting the branch, and the Shrewsbury & Telford Hospital Trust said it has re-introduced the policy in “some areas of our hospitals”.

“This follows guidance from NHS England to reduce the spread of respiratory infections this winter and protect patients, visitors and staff,” the Trust said.

“It also follows a recent increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in our hospitals.”

The Trust said that masks will be required to be worn in the following areas:

• Emergency Department
• Same Day Emergency Care, Acute Medical Unit, Acute Medical Assessment area
• Surgical Assessment Unit
• Children’s Assessment Unit & Ward 19
• Ward 24 and Ward 17 Respiratory
• Ward 23 Oncology/Haematology, Chemo Day Centre, Lingen Davies, Haematology clinics and Paediatric Oncology/Haematology
• Ward 35 Nephrology
• Neonatal unit

Face masks will be provided in these areas, and visitors should ask a member of staff if one is needed. If you feel you are exempt, they say this can be discussed this with a member of staff.

“We will continue to regularly review the use of face masks in our hospitals,” they said, adding that visitors should not attend hospitals if they are suffering from any infection such as a cold, flu, sore throat, diarrhoea, vomiting or a chest infection.