People infected with COVID-19 can have very mild or no respiratory symptoms (asymptomatic) and can transmit the virus to others without being aware of it.
In line with recent recommendations from the World Health Organisation, we are introducing new measures here at the Trust to keep our patients, service users and staff safe.
From Monday, 15th June 2020 you will need to wear a face covering when attending your appointment* in any of our clinics.
*Please note the majority of our services are continuing to operate at a reduced capacity and face-to-face appointments are only being scheduled for high risk patients and service users. We will contact all of our patients and service users in the near future when we are in a position to provide our services in full again.
What does wearing a face covering mean for me?
We can all play a role in reducing the spread of coronavirus and keeping our clinics safe. If you are coming to an appointment, it is important that you wear a face covering at all times. This is for your safety and the safety of other patients, service users and staff.
Face coverings can be cloth and/or homemade, and advice on how to wear and make one can be found on the government website. Face coverings worn as part of religious beliefs or cultural practice are also acceptable, providing they are not loose and cover the mouth and nose.
We are asking that you plan in advance and bring a face covering with you whenever possible, but if you do not have one available when you come to your appointment, please see a member of staff on arrival and they will provide you with one. If you are currently shielding and have been provided with a surgical face mask for your appointments, please continue to use this. If you have not been provided with a surgical face mask, you should wear a face covering.
For some people, wearing a face covering may be difficult due to physical or mental health conditions. In these instances, other measures will be considered on a case by case basis and prior to your appointment.
If you are deaf or have a hearing impairment, our staff have a range of communication options to ensure that they can communicate effectively with you.
All patients and service users will be expected to comply with existing social distancing and hand hygiene measures in addition to the face coverings while in any of our clinical settings.
Where do I go for more information?
If you have further questions regarding the changes we have made across the Trust, please call 0151 514 2888.
