Mask Wearing Introduced in Key Hospital Areas to Help Keep People Safe This Winter

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust has introduced mask wearing in several key clinical areas to help reduce the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses this winter.

The measure applies to colleagues, patients and visitors in the Trust’s two Emergency Departments, Urgent Treatment Centres, Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) areas and Frailty Assessment Areas.

Anna Telfer, Acting Director of Infection Prevention and Control, said: “To help keep our patients, visitors and each other safe this winter, we are introducing mask wearing in our Emergency Departments, Urgent Treatment Centres, Same Day Emergency Care areas and Frailty Assessment Areas for all colleagues, patients and visitors. This is a precautionary step to help reduce the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses at a time of year when these infections are more common.”

Colleagues working in these areas will now be asked to wear masks throughout their shifts. Patients and visitors will also be encouraged to wear a mask to help protect themselves and others while in these busy healthcare environments.

To support this, wards and departments will ensure masks are readily available for staff, patients and visitors. Supplies will also be provided at the main entrances of University Hospital of North Durham, Darlington Memorial Hospital and Bishop Auckland Hospital.

The Trust is also urging everyone to get their flu vaccine if they haven’t already. Getting vaccinated remains one of the best ways to protect yourself and those around you this winter. You can book your flu vaccine via your GP, local pharmacy or online.

Thank you for helping us keep our hospitals safe for everyone.