Face Coverings

Face Coverings in Healthcare Settings

The practice is responsible for providing care to the local community. Many of the patients attending the surgery have medical conditions and may be at high risk of developing complications from COVID-19.

Clinicians and practice staff are in contact with many patients. Preventing the spread of COVID-19 is important for maintaining practice capacity and reducing staff absence.

The practice policy is in keeping with the NHS guidance which requires face coverings to continue to be worn in healthcare settings.

All patients are asked to wear a face covering when inside the practice in accordance with NHS guidance which requires face coverings to be worn in healthcare settings in keeping with Infection Control measures.

The current government guidance about face coverings in healthcare settings states:

Face coverings and face masks will continue to be required in health and care settings to comply with infection prevention and control (IPC) and adult social care guidance. This includes hospitals and primary or community care settings, such as GP surgeries. They must also be worn by everyone accessing or visiting care homes.

You are required to wear a face covering on entering these healthcare settings and must keep it on until you leave unless you are exempt or have a reasonable excuse for removing it.

Patients who are not able to wear a face mask are offered a visor which is not in contact with the nose and mouth.

Patients who cannot wear a face mask or visor must socially distance from other patients and staff at all times to reduce transmission of the virus

Due to the increased risk of transmission, a patient who cannot wear a face covering will be considered on a discretionary basis by a clinician for a face-to-face appointment and an alternative consultation type may be considered.

For more information, visit: Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions and what makes a good one - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)