To support safe patient care and keep staff well and able to care for you, all patients, visitors, and staff in our Emergency Department at the Leicester Royal Infirmary and the Clinical Decision Unit at the Glenfield Hospital are asked to wear face masks.
Why we need you to wear a mask
We are treating an increasing number of patients with respiratory illnesses, like COVID-19, which spread through the air.
We are also seeing an increase in the number of staff that are getting sick due to these illnesses. Any increase in patient cases and reduction in staff numbers can have a significant impact on how quickly we can provide patients with the right care, at the right time.
Mask wearing in other areas of the hospitals
We have not yet asked for masks to be worn in all areas. This is to help us provide a measured response. However, we will support any patients, staff, and visitors who choose to wear masks in these spaces. Masks are provided in stations at the hospital main entrances and in outpatient clinics. If you cannot find a mask, please ask a member of staff to help you.
We will keep the situation under regular review, responding to changes in infection rates in our communities and hospitals, and national guidance on infection prevention.
What else you can do to prevent the spread of infections
Good hand hygiene, such as washing with soap and water and using hand sanitiser, has been shown to reduce the risk of catching and spreading infections. This is especially important before and after eating and drinking, blowing your nose, or coughing into your hand. We provide handwashing facilities and hand sanitiser stations across our hospitals. If you cannot find one, please ask a member of staff.
If you have any symptoms, such as a cough, runny nose, sore throat, or sneezing, please consider whether your visit to our hospitals is necessary.