Medical professionals have joined together to plead with the public to continue wearing face masks when receiving care.
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine, which sets standards for emergency medicine, and the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) are asking patients and visitors receiving emergency care to continue wearing face masks as the legal requirement to do so is removed by the Government today.
A spokesman for the North West Ambulance Service said: “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our objective has always been to protect both our staff and patients, and this will remain the same.
“The Government has advised that the public should still wear masks when with other people they do not know, or in crowded areas, however, the legal restrictions have now been removed.
“The guidance we have been given will continue to help reduce the risk of infection, therefore we are not changing our current practice when it comes to personal protective equipment (PPE).
“This means that masks, gloves, aprons and eye protection will be worn when attending all patients. Higher levels of PPE will be necessary for patients who are COVID-19 positive or require treatment that can result in the release of airborne particles from the mouth.
“We will continue to wear masks whilst travelling in both the front and rear of ambulances on emergency and non-emergency vehicles. The only exception to this is if a member of staff is alone in any of these spaces.
“Patients in our care will be asked to wear a mask when possible to do so.
Our staff have been consistently wearing PPE throughout this pandemic and we would like to thank them for their continued commitment to patient care.”
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine
Dr Katherine Henderson, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine has stated that it is absolutely essential that patients and visitors in Emergency Departments continue to protect themselves and others with face masks, hand washing and social distancing.
“While restrictions have been eased, it is absolutely essential that we continue to keep everyone safe in hospital settings and in emergency departments. Patients and visitors must therefore expect to wear a mask and maintain social distancing,” she said.
“Emergency departments regularly see vulnerable patients. We must do all we can to keep those patients safe, but also to ensure that these patients feel safe coming to the hospital and the emergency department if, and when, they need help.
“We ask patients and visitors to kindly respect and cooperate with this guidance and help to keep everyone safe. Staff will not tolerate any abuse whatsoever. They absolutely do not deserve it, but it is a sad reality that we are already hearing and seeing abusive behaviour towards staff.
“It is clear these measures will help protect the most vulnerable patients, so it is right that all patients and visitors follow them. Staff will request all patients and visitors to put a mask on when in an emergency department and they will not be engaging in any debate on the guidance.
“It is a matter of public health and infection prevention control to keep all our patients safe.”
