PATIENTS and staff are no longer required to wear a face mask inside Andover hospital.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT), which runs the Charlton Road hospital, said it has made the decision after “working closely with our infection prevention team”.

The updated guidance will mean that patients and staff will no longer have to wear a face mask in non-clinical areas including corridors, outpatient locations and restaurants.

However, patients, visitors and staff attending or working in clinical areas, such as on a ward, must still wear a mask.

The change in guidance comes after national Covid-19 guidance which made face coverings a requirement inside healthcare settings was withdrawn in April this year.

It was also reported nationally that a letter from health chiefs said that patients visiting A&E, hospital outpatient appointments, and GP surgeries no longer needed to wear masks “unless this is a personal preference”.

HHFT’s chief medical officer, Dr Lara Alloway, said: “We have worked closely with our infection prevention team to implement new guidance on mask wearing for patients and staff at Hampshire Hospitals in recent weeks, following updates to national guidance and carefully considering the current position locally.

“This updated guidance means it is no longer a requirement for patients or staff to wear a mask in non-clinical areas, including corridors, outpatient locations and our restaurants, if they do not wish to wear one. However, for patients, visitors and staff attending or working in clinical areas – for example on a ward – masks must be worn to ensure we continue to protect those in our care who are most vulnerable to Covid-19.

“We will continue to monitor this closely over the coming weeks and months and, as with all Trust policies, we appreciate the cooperation of patients, visitors and staff in keeping our hospitals safe.”

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