Praise for clear masks

Transparent face masks are now available across NHS Tayside healthcare settings.

The masks feature a clear front panel which has been positioned to prevent reflection to enable lip-reading.

Jurgita Turner, from the health board’s interpretation and translation team, has been using the new masks.

She said: “For our interpreters, the clear masks help to convey facial expressions that are essential grammatical components for those who use British Sign Language.

“Patients are already singing their praises as it means we can communicate with them clearly, while staying safe at the same time.”

NHS Tayside’s head of service for audiology, Sam Batty, said: “The clear masks have greatly benefited our patients, especially those with severe or profound hearing loss. The feedback has been brilliant.’’