Trust reminds people to use face coverings when coming to Hemel Hempstead Hospital

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust is introducing new measures to keep visitors, patients and staff safe.

It is now mandatory for anyone entering any of the hospital sites at Hemel Hempstead, St Albans and Watford – including the grounds, not just inside the buildings – to wear a face covering.

In line with recent recommendations from the Government, from yesterday (Monday) you will need to wear a face covering when you come to hospital as an outpatient.

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.

Everyone can play a role in reducing the spread of coronavirus and keeping hospitals safe. If you are coming to hospital for planned outpatient care, it is important that you wear a face covering at all times. This is for your safety and the safety of other patients 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 for religious beliefs or cultural practice are also acceptable, providing they are not loose and cover the mouth and nose.

Please plan ahead and bring a face covering with you whenever possible.

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, for example timed appointments and being seen immediately on arrival.

If you are a deaf or hearing impaired, trust staff have a range of communication options to ensure that they can communicate effectively with you. This might include visual aids such as writing things down, speech to text apps or sign language.

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

If you have further questions regarding the changes made across the trust, visit: www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk.