Current Influenza and Respiratory infections

We have been advised by the local Integrated Care Board (ICB) that the rate of respiratory infections has increased recently, which has resulted in many more hospital admissions. We would like to encourage our patients and their relatives to consider wearing a face covering when attending the Surgery, particularly those with respiratory-like symptoms. Masks are available on request at the reception desk.

If you do choose to put on a face mask here are some guidelines to follow:

You should ensure that face masks are:

• well fitted to cover the nose, mouth and chin
• worn according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (for example checking the coloured side is worn outwards, unless the manufacturer states otherwise)
• not allowed to dangle around the neck at any time, or rest on the forehead or under the chin
• not touched once put on
• removed and disposed of appropriately, with the wearer cleaning their hands before removal and after disposal
• changed if either moist, damaged, contaminated, or soiled, uncomfortable to wear

Thank you for your help in reducing the spread of infection throughout the surgery.