GP patients urged to wear their masks

A plea has been issued to patients to pull on masks after GP surgery staff are being confronted and challenged for making the request in practices.

Patients have even filed complaints against workers at Wearside practices after being asked to put one on.

Dr Emily Hadaway, head of GP clinical services at the Sunderland GP Alliance, has called for patients to follow the rules as high infection rates continue.

She said: “Sadly, we have had a few complaints from patients when our staff have asked why they aren’t wearing a mask or if they have been asked to put one on.

"We would like to remind people this is a challenging situation for us all and that our staff are just doing their job.

"Please don’t be offended if you are asked why you are not wearing a mask, we need to know so that we can ensure that everyone is safe.

“We are making clinical decisions about patient care during telephone and video consultations every day and patients do not always require a face-to-face appointment.

"If attendance at the surgery is necessary we would appreciate it if you can tell us if you are not able to wear a mask.

"We can then ensure you are given an appointment time most appropriate to your needs.

"If you travel by car we may ask you to wait in your car until we phone you on your mobile, you can then enter our surgery building without having to sit in the waiting room which may be a risk to yourself as well as to others.”

She said people not wearingmasks causes concern for the vulnerable and staff.