Southern Health has taken the decision to re-introduce the mandatory wearing of masks for all staff and vistors across our sites.
Unfortunately, despite all of our continued efforts, our local communities have seen a significant rise in the prevalence of COVID-19 cases. This has been reflected in inpatient areas where we are now seeing an increase in inpatient infection rates and outbreaks across our divisions and hospitals.
With this in mind the Trust has taken the decision to return to mandatory mask wearing for all staff and vistors (unless exampt) throughout the Trust, for the month of July. This decision will be reviewed in August.
As a provider of healthcare, we treat very vulnerable people every single day. We have to make sure we continue to keep these people safe. To keep all of us safe here is what you must do when visiting our sites or staff:
- Please wear a face mask/face covering when visiting our sites (unless you are exempt).
- Wash your hands or use the gel provided to keep them clean.
- If you have symptoms of COVID-19, do not come into the hospital unless it is an emergency.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. Infection occurs when breathing in the virus if within 1-2 metres or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands.We hope that by returning to mandatory mask wearing throughout July, and by continuing to follow the simple precautions above, we can stop the spread of the virus amongst patients and staff.
Thank you for your continued support.