Face masks made mandatory at city hospitals

The rule applies to all clinical areas

Face masks have been made mandatory at hospitals in Leicester due to a rise in the number of patients with infectious diseases.

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust says the decision - which applies to visitors, staff and outpatients in clinical areas - is to support patient care and staff wellbeing.

The trust runs the Leicester General Hospital, Leicester Royal Infirmary and Glenfield Hospital.

It said the decision had been made due to an increasing number of patients being treated with infectious diseases, such as flu, norovirus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Covid.

Clinical areas include wards, examination and treatment rooms, waiting rooms and all outpatient services.

The trust said: "We are also seeing an increase in the level of colleague absence due to seasonal illnesses.

"Any increase in patient cases and reduction in colleague numbers can have a significant impact on how quickly we can provide patients with the right care, at the right time."

The trust added it would keep the situation under regular review.

Leicester Royal Infirmary is one of the three hospitals the trust is responsible for

Dr Laura French from Leicester City Council's public health team, said: "Covid, flu and RSV are viruses that can make people really unwell with cough, fever, headaches and cold-like symptoms.

"They are often known as 'winter viruses' and are likely to peak in the coming weeks.

"The best way of protecting yourself and others against these is to get vaccinated if you are eligible.

Dr French also advised regular handwashing, drinking plenty of fluids and resting if you feel unwell.