Royal Bolton Hospital is making face masks mandatory in patient areas from Friday, October 30, in a temporary move to curb the spread of flu, COVID-19 and other winter illnesses.
The hospital, part of Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said all staff, patients and visitors will be asked to wear a fluid-resistant surgical face mask when entering inpatient areas, including hospital wards.
High flu cases prompt temporary measure
Tyrone Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are currently seeing a high number of flu cases in our hospital, and it is important that we take sensible steps to reduce the risk of infection and protect our patients, visitors and colleagues. For some people, flu can be a very serious illness."
"By wearing a face mask in patient areas, everyone can play a part in reducing the spread of flu and other seasonal viruses. We appreciate the support and understanding of our patients and visitors as we introduce this temporary measure," he added.
Roberts said the trust will continue to monitor infection levels closely and keep the requirement under regular review over the next few days.
Rising respiratory cases at emergency department
The move comes as the hospital reported growing numbers of patients attending the Emergency Department with respiratory symptoms. At the end of October, there were 210 positive patient tests for COVID-19 or flu, a significant increase on an average of 51 during September, according to The Royal Bolton Hospital.
Face masks will be available throughout the hospital. To ensure they are effective, the hospital is asking people to make sure the mask covers both the nose and mouth, keep it in place when speaking, and dispose of the mask after use without reusing it.
Bosses say all frontline NHS staff have also been offered the seasonal flu vaccine to help protect themselves, their colleagues and the patients they care for.
