Hospital visitors and GP patients must all now wear face coverings

The requirement is being made in all NHS hospital settings to further reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus and it also applies to all staff.

Additionally, all GP practices such as Melton’s Latham House are sharing best practice by extending the measures to their patients by encouraging them to wear a face mask or covering when visiting for an appointment, to protect themselves and others.

Caroline Trevithick, executive director of nursing, quality and performance for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland clinical commissioning groups, said: “It is really important that people plan in advance and bring a facemask or face covering if they are a visitor or outpatient attending a hospital setting.

“Face coverings can be home-made and advice on how to wear and make one can be found on the government website.

“Coverings worn as part of religious beliefs or cultural practice are also acceptable, providing they are not loose and cover the mouth and nose.

“Those shielding may have already been provided with a surgical face mask for their appointments and should continue to use this.

“If they haven’t been provided with a surgical face mask, they should wear a face covering.”

Ms Trevithick added: “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.

“Outpatients and visitors can expect to see all staff wearing a face mask to reduce the risk of transmission to patients, visitors and staff.

“All visitors and outpatients will be expected to comply with existing social distancing and hand hygiene measures in addition to the face coverings while in a hospital setting.”

For patients who are deaf or hearing impaired, NHS staff have a range of communication options to ensure that they can communicate effectively.

This might include the use of clear masks where possible, as well as visual aids, speech to text apps and sign language.

The new facemask or covering requirement does not affect visiting restrictions already in place.

Visiting restrictions remain at all hospital sites and patients can check online or contact their clinic or service where they have their appointment for further information.

The in-patient ward continues to operate at Melton Mowbray Hospital but urgent care services remain suspended with patients asked to travel instead to Loughborough in the evenings and at weekends as the Covid-19 crisis continues.

Melton people requiring urgent care - minor injuries and illnesses which require urgent treatment but which are not life-threatening - can still get treatment at the town’s Latham House Medical Practice between 8am and 6.30pm on weekdays, although they must call the surgery first to make an appointment.

The NHS in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland has consolidated evening and weekend urgent care services at just four locations to free up more staff.

The nearest centre for Melton residents is Loughborough Urgent Care Centre, on Hospital Way, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.