See-through masks to help deaf patients

NHS STAFF and care workers will be given see-through face masks to help them communicate with deaf patients.

More than 250,000 of the masks, which are made with clear plastic so the mouth can be seen, will be distributed over the coming weeks. They are designed so that doctors, nurses and carers can communicate with those who rely on lip-reading.

They will also be used when treating those who benefit from seeing facial expressions, such as people with learning disabilities, autism or dementia.

Health minister Helen Whately said: ‘Everyone using our health system deserves the best care possible and communication is a vital part of that.’ Charity Action on Hearing Loss said the masks will help ‘reduce barriers for both patients and staff across the NHS and social care services’.