Trust urges public to wear masks amid rise in seasonal illnesses

Due to rising cases of flu and other seasonal viruses, Mid Cheshire Hospitals is reintroducing face masks in clinical areas of its hospitals from Thursday, 9th January 2025.

The change to the Trust’s face masks guidance means:

Patients and visitors are strongly urged to wear a face mask in all of Mid Cheshire Hospitals’ clinical locations;

They are not required to wear a mask in non-clinical areas.

Masks will be provided in relevant areas of each site.

People preferring to wear a face mask in any part of the Trust’s hospitals will be supported to do so.

Patients with suspected or confirmed respiratory infection will continue to be asked to wear a face mask.

It remains important for all patients and visitors to continue to practise good hand hygiene by washing their hands with soap and water regularly while visiting our sites.

Mid Cheshire Hospitals is also asking patients and visitors to:

• Adhere to the times and numbers of visitors allowed in its ward guidelines.
• Follow other guidance on preventing infection and using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if advised by staff.

Dr Clare Hammell, Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, said:

“In line with Trusts across the country, we’re seeing rising cases of flu and other seasonal illnesses which are having a significant impact on our already stretched NHS. It’s important that we take steps to address this to protect our patients, visitors and staff.

“We’re asking for everyone’s support to stop the spread of flu and other winter viruses. Evidence tells us that wearing a mask can help and without face masks, the risk of transmitting and spreading infections is increased.

“We will keep these temporary measures under review in the coming weeks. We’d like to thank our patients and visitors for helping to protect themselves, others and our NHS.”

Patients and visitors can find information about mask guidance and visiting our sites here: 

https://www.mcht.nhs.uk/visiting

Public information about Infection Prevention and Control is available here: 

https://www.mcht.nhs.uk/IPC

Live A&E waiting times for Mid Cheshire Hospitals can be found here.

Pictured - The main entrance at Leighton Hospital.