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Face masks not required by law anymore

Posted By Ripley Cancer paitent

"Face masks not required by law anymore"

About: Ripley Hospital / Minor Injuries Unit

(as the patient),

I had an appointment booked recently at Ripley hospital. This was for a dressing change for an infection complication following bowel cancer surgery.

I arrived at the hospital in plenty of time for this and found the second set of double doors to be closed which I thought was strange as on lots of previous appointments were open. Luckily for me a cleaning member of staff was going through the door at the same time and held the door for me.

The was shutter was down. I then had to wait in a queue to be seen to. I was asked to sit in a chair at the door to the reception area and give my details. This was all well and good until I was told to wear a face mask to which I refused and said that it is not required by law anymore. I was then met with a response of the rules have changed and its different for different areas. Again, I refused and said I’ll come and speak to the matron next week. I was met with well you have to wear one. At which point I left saying I’ll speak to the matron next week. I then had to use my back to open the door to make this the easiest and most comfortable on my stomach.

At no point did I receive any communication from the hospital about they have had a covid outbreak and it is now required to wear a facemask for pre booked appointments. Also, There is no airflow through the building if the doors are kept shut, which the NHS says is the best way of preventing the spread of covid, but also to sit facing a receptionist with no screen for protection. Surely this poses a greater risk of spreading anything.

I am more than happy to come and speak to someone about this matter if you need any greater insight to all this.  If a facemask is required, I will wear one so we can discuss this.

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Responses

Response from Patient Experience Co-ordinator, Patient Experience Team, Derbyshire Community Health Services 6 months ago
Derbyshire Community Health Services

Submitted on 03/10/2023 at 15:15
Published on Care Opinion at 15:15

Hello,

Thank you for your feedback, I am really sorry that this was your experience.

I am sorry that you did not receive any communication prior to your planned appointment with regards to wearing a face mask. The rate at which Covid is spreading is increasing, we have therefore taken some measures to try and protect our patients, their carers our Volunteers, our staff and our services so that everyone can continue to use them.

When attending our Urgent Treatment Centres some patients with certain symptoms are now being asked to wear a face mask. Wearing a face mask will help prevent the spread of infection and prevent people from contracting any airborne infectious germs. When someone coughs, talks or sneezes they could release germs into the air that may infect others nearby. Face masks are part of an infection control strategy to help prevent further spread of infection.

You are absolutely right and this is not a legal requirement, however this decision is supported regionally by NHS England and we are really grateful for our patients support in helping us to protect everyone. Our staff have been advised to ask patients if they would wear a mask but if they decline for any reason they should still be seen without one. I am really sorry if this was not communicated correctly to you and I would like to reassure you that we have reminded all staff of the guidance.

I understand that recently the inside doors at the Urgent Treatment Centre were broken which will be why they were not opening as they normally would and needed pushing open on arrival. I am really sorry that you had difficulty accessing the building and am relieved that the domestic staff were able to help you, I can confirm that the doors are now fully working.

That same day there had been a fire alarm go off, when the fire alarm goes off the shutter comes down automatically then it can't be raised until the alarm is silenced. Unfortunately staff then struggled to get them raised again as there was a problem with silencing the alarm which prolonged them being down at that time.

I am genuinely sorry that your experience was not a positive one and I hope that the above reassures you regarding your concerns.

If you would like to discuss further, please do not hesitate to contact the Patient Experience Team at DCHST.PatientExperienceTeam@nhs.net or 01773 525119.

Thank you

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