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Face mask guidance changes at OUH

20/04/2023
This article is more than one year old.

This article is from 20 April 2023 - the situation may change with time.

The guidance around wearing face masks at OUH has changed.

Patients are no longer required to wear face masks in clinical areas unless they:

  • have symptoms of a respiratory illness
  • have symptoms of COVID-19
  • have tested positive for COVID-19
  • are attending outpatient departments at the Churchill Hospital including Haematology, Oncology, Transplant, Chemotherapy, and Renal (including dialysis)
  • are otherwise advised by Infection Prevention and Control
  • would prefer to do so.

Visitors only need to wear face masks if they:

  • are visiting immunocompromised patients
  • are with patients in outpatient departments at the Churchill Hospital including Haematology, Oncology, Transplant, Chemotherapy, and Renal (including dialysis)
  • are otherwise advised by the Infection Prevention and Control team (IPC)
  • would prefer to do so.

OUH staff are no longer required to wear face masks in clinical areas, with the following exceptions.

  • When caring for a patient with symptoms of a respiratory infection.
  • When caring for patients with COVID-19, and when carrying out certain procedures.
  • When caring for patients in Haematology, Oncology, Transplant, Chemotherapy, and Renal (including dialysis) or an immunocompromised patient outside of these areas.
  • If otherwise advised by Infection Prevention and Control.
  • If they would prefer to do so.

All are welcome to wear face masks wherever and whenever they choose, and patients and visitors can ask staff to wear a face mask if this makes them more comfortable.

Dr Anny Sykes, Interim Chief Medical Officer at OUH, said:

"Following a change in national testing guidance, we took the opportunity to review our COVID-19 safety measures, including mask wearing, in careful discussion with our Infection Prevention and Control colleagues.

"We will continue to support our staff, patients, and visitors to wear face masks in all areas of our hospitals if that is their preference, and mask dispensers will remain in place in the various entrances to our hospitals.

"We will continue to keep this updated guidance under review."

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