Face masks in hospitals after rise in flu cases

People are being asked to wear face masks in hospital emergency departments following a rise in flu cases.

Earlier this month, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust told staff at Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital to use masks in "all patient-facing areas".

The rule has now been extended to staff at Scunthorpe General Hospital, Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby and Goole Hospital in emergency departments and in wards treating patients with flu or respiratory conditions.

Visitors to these units will also be asked to wear masks as well, the trust said.

People were also asked not to visit patients if they had symptoms of flu or any other illness.

Chief nurse Amanda Stanford said an increasing number of patients had been admitted to the trust's hospitals with flu over the past three weeks.

"We'd like to assure the public that these measures are being kept under daily review by our senior nursing and infection control teams and we will keep you informed of any changes over the coming days and months," she said.

"Thank you for your cooperation and understanding while we do our best to protect your loved ones, relatives and friends who are in our care."

Last week, masks were also reintroduced in some parts of Lincolnshire hospitals.

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