Southampton hospital: Face masks return and visiting curbed
- Published
Face masks are needed and visits will only be allowed in exceptional cases after a rise in infections
Visitor restrictions have been brought in and face masks must be worn at a hospital after a spike in infections.
University Hospital Southampton said the move was to help "prevent further spread and protect patients and staff".
It said the re-introduction of mandatory face masks covered all adult clinical areas.
They will not be mandatory in its Children's Hospital and maternity areas, visitors are also allowed in both.
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Elsewhere in the hospital, visiting will only be allowed in exceptional cases, including patients receiving end-of-life care.
The hospital said: "These actions are a necessary response to the current high levels of viruses that are causing increased pressure on our bed availability at a time when we are seeing sustained pressure coming through our emergency department."
The hospital said surgical masks would be available at all entrances and wards, and the measures would be kept under review.
It comes after South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) declared a critical incident after a surge in 999 calls requiring an urgent response.
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- Published24 January 2024