Cover your face in our hospitals

Anyone visiting hospitals will be asked to wear a face covering.

Following updated guidance from the World Health Organisation and the Scottish Government, NHS Ayrshire and Arran have announced they will ask everyone, including those attending appointments, to cover their face.

Those who have contracted Covid-19 can pass the infection onto others before they develop symptoms, at the ‘pre-symptomatic’ stage, or in the absence of any symptoms at all, known as ‘asymptomatic’.

By wearing a face covering this reduces the risk of transmitting the infection to others.

Professor Hazel Borland, Nurse Director, explains: “Anyone visiting our hospitals will notice that staff in clinical areas – for example, wards or outpatient departments - will be wearing face masks.

“However, we now need to expand on this to include anyone visiting a clinical area.

“If you are visiting the hospital or have an outpatient appointment be prepared and wear a face covering. This doesn’t need to be a surgical mask, but a fabric face covering of the type recommended by the Scottish Government for use on public transport.

“If you come to the hospital without a face covering, we will be able to provide you with one but it is better if you bring your own.”

Hospital visitors are also asked to remember hand hygiene and physical distancing remain the most important measures in reducing the transmission of Covid-19.

Hand sanitisers will be available throughout the buildings and visitors are asked to ensure they wash their hands before and after entering.